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April front.indd 1 12/03/2019 15:46

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Index

Contents Favourites Reviews Features News

Cover Story
April 2019 Vol. 14 No 4 60 Software-Defined
On sale: 28 March 2019 Radio
Next issue on sale: Thursday, 24 April 2019
Andrew Barron shows how you can use your SDR
to pursue basic radio astronomy and monitor the
RadioUser Sun, Jupiter, and Meteors.
Warners Group Publications plc
The Maltings, West Street
Bourne, Lincs PE10 9PH
www.warnersgroup.co.uk 30 Emergency Communications
Tel 01778 391000 In this new series, Tim Kirby explains the ways and
Editor means of disaster communications, starting with
(c/o Warners Group Publications plc) COSPAS-SARSAT.
Georg Wiessala
[email protected]
Designer
36 DXTV
Mike Edwards Keith Hamer and Garry Smith offer news, and vital TV
[email protected] and FM DX loggings for the irst quarter of 2019.
Advertisement Manager
Claire Ingram 38 The International Radio Scene
[email protected] Chrissy Brand has news of inspiring international
Multimedia Sales Executive broadcasts on MW and SW and explores the online
Kristina Green and podcast radio scene.
[email protected]
Tel: 01778 392096
60 42 Scanning Scene
Advertising Production
Nicola Lock Tim Kirby uses an AOR AR-DV1 receiver to receive
[email protected] 6 Subscriptions Page Tetra and looks ahead to the new Uniden Bearcat
Publisher Subscribe to this magazine, get your copy early and SDS200 wideband receiver.
Rob McDonnell never miss a review, article or news item again.
[email protected]
46 Digital Radio
Subscriptions 7 News & Products Kevin Ryan shares important news regarding DRM
Subscriptions are available from as little
as £11. Turn to our subscriptions page for
Handhelds and headphones, new blood at Radio 3, radios and evaluates the likely impact of recent
full details. future short wave, and a cocktail of radio news. Ofcom DAB proposals.
Subscription Administration
Radio User Subscriptions, 13 Radio Book Store 50 Network Radio
Warners Group Publications plc This is the place to ind and buy the books we have Chris Rolinson investigates the innovative potential
The Maltings, West Street
reviewed, and many more besides. of 5G for Network Radio, has a tip for Inrico users
Bourne, Lincs PE10 9PH
and gets mobile.
Subscriptions Hotline: 01778 395161
[email protected] 14 Airband News
David Smith proiles communications at Humberside
Technical Help
We regret that, due to editorial time scales, Airport and looks at Artiicial Intelligence.
replies to technical queries cannot be
given over the telephone. Any technical
queries by e-mail are very unlikely to
16 Aerials Now!
receive immediate attention either. So, if Keith Rawlings focuses on a PA0RDT mini whip
you require help with problems relating to project and responds to readers’ suggestions.
topics covered by RU, then please write to
the Editorial Offices, we will do our best to
help and reply by mail.
20 Maritime Matters
Robert Connolly explores both his maritime family
Book and back issue orders
Send your completed form to:
heritage and the Inmarsat C SafetyNet System.
RadioUser Subscriptions Dept
Warners Group Publications plc 23 NDB DXing
The Maltings, West Street
Robert Connolly offers seasonal NDB DXing news
Bourne, Lincs PE10 9PH
and beacon logs, for the irst quarter of 2019.

26 Emerging Issues in Radio

Chrissy Brand celebrates initiatives around World
Radio Day 2019 and suggests new podcasts.
48

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4 RadioUser April 2019
 Editorial

Welcome
Trusted Technologies &
Promising Possibilities

H
ello and welcome to the April
2019 issue of RadioUser.
I have moved in two
directions, radio-wise, this
month. On the one hand, I felt nostalgic,
when I took the opportunity to acquire a
rare Lowe HF-250 receiver, as well as a
Signal Communications R532 airband
radio. These two have been giving me
much joy, and, in the case of the former,
even some opportunities for some DXing
– a rare event these days.
On the other hand, I have discovered
a new classical music station on DAB
and experimented with SDR, taking
inspiration from Andrew Barron’s column
in this issue. I have also re-visited the VLF
band, with the help of some software,
and I have discovered some excellent
podcasts from all over the world. later issues this year.
While I did all this – often with a In other parts of the magazine, you will
medium wave station happily playing learn more about Artiicial Intelligence
64 away in the background – I relected at Heathrow, World Radio Day 2019,
that, perhaps, I am typical, after all, of American radio pioneers, the current
54 The Voice of the Ribble Valley many of our readers, by relying much Medium and Short Wave scene, 5G for
The editor does not travel very far to visit Ribble FM on legacy technology but exploring new Network Radio, comms at Humberside
106.7, a unique community radio broadcaster in possibilities too. Airport, and an astonishing, and
Lancashire. My aim continues to be to serve these necessary, book title.
two constituencies, and many more In terms of equipment, check out, for
56 Utility Monitoring besides, with this magazine. You can example, our columns on Digital Radio
Nils Schiffhauer turns a little weird, looking at make sure that you never miss an issue, and Aerials Now. There is also the News
unusual, downright bafling, and intriguingly by the way, by taking out a subscription, & Products section to be discovered, and
mysterious utility signals. have a look at the offers in this issue. we have contributions on forthcoming
It is April already, and the issue offers, scanners, new uses for the AOR Ar-DV10,
59 Book Review once again, a cornucopia of articles, and on Inrico Network Radios.
David Harris assesses a title by a radio host who columns and news on all things radio. We It has been a particular pleasure for me
debunks prejudice and ights ‘fake news’, delusion have a new kind of column this month, this month, to visit my local community
and hatred every day. in which Tim Kirby introduces the broad radio station here in the wilds of
area of Emergency Communications and Lancashire; you can read my short report
64 Radio Pioneers: Joseph Henry safety radio in the UK and beyond. He about it in this issue.
(1797-1878) begins in space, as it were. My hope is that, as ever, you will enjoy
The editor sheds light on the life and work of a great In a similar vein, Robert Connolly what is contained in the following pages.
American radio scientist and teacher. explores the Inmarsat-C Safety Net Since it is April, and in case of a ‘no-
system, in one of his columns, and dial Brexit’, if you do ind that those
68 Corrections and Feedback presents the irst NDB loggings for 2019 radios you bought on the Continent have
A sample of topics touched upon in your many in his other one. stopped working, please send them in to
letters, e-mails and messages. Continuing with the theme of catches me at my editorial address….
and logging, Keith Hamer and Garry
70 Rallies & Events Smith offer their own FM, TV and Satellite
The most comprehensive UK overview of rallies, DX report, to pave the way for many Georg Wiessala
conferences, club events, and other meetings. exciting things to come in this area, in Editor, Radio User Magazine

Why not visit our new online bookshop at www.radioenthusiast.co.uk/store

RadioUser April 2019 5
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PRICE RISE
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Review by Tim Kirby G4VXE

● E-mail: [email protected] ● Twitter: g4vxe

The Yaesu FTM-7250DE 144/432MHz

coming through the radio. My first contact,
as a quick test, was actually with Scott
KH6AGL in Hawaii! Although, of course, it’s
not the same as working Hawaii directly,

C4FM/FM Dual-Band Transceiver

it still makes for an interesting contact.
Scott kindly confirmed that the rig’s audio
sounded good.

Programming the FTM-7250DE

Because I wanted to take the FTM-7250DE
Continuing his look at Yaesu’s System Fusion, Tim Kirby

A
s part of our short se- mobile, I thought I would program up some
ries of articles revisiting memory channels to keep an ear on while I
the Yaesu digital voice G4VXE reviews the FTM-7250DE Fusion Transceiver. was out and about. The first nice discovery
system, System Fusion was that programming the memories was
II, we thought we would pretty intuitive and I didn’t have to resort to
review the new FTM-7250DE dual- the instruction manual. Having said all that,
band transceiver. It was introduced about the Operating Manual is simple and concise The rear panel of the FTM-7250 is simple, with antenna, speaker, power and data connectors.
a year ago as an addition to the range of – and written in straightforward and clear
System Fusion transceivers. This, along English. It runs to a modest 47 pages. There With 50W available from the FTM-7250, the value as required, should this be used
with the FTM-3200DE (144MHz single is also an Advanced Manual that covers less transmitter performance was good with on your local Fusion repeater. Similarly,
band) and FTM-3207DE (432MHz single frequently used but useful features. This is distant repeaters, or indifferent locations. DPID is available and could be used, for ex-
band) was introduced as a lower-cost entry not supplied but you can download it from The three power levels are quite sensible, al- ample, to identify you as a control channel
point, allowing people the option of a digital the Yaesu website (click on the Files tab) at: though perhaps Foundation licensees would operator for a Fusion repeater.
capable rig, without features that they may https://tinyurl.com/y7afx5ux have appreciated a 10W power setting as If you are connected to a Wires-X node
not necessarily want, such as GPS or APRS. Anyway, back to programming the well. When running the rig on 50W, the heat- or Wires-X enabled repeater, you can use
Here, we are looking at the FTM-7250DE, memories. I programmed a variety of 145 sink gets warm, but not super hot, so the the FTM-7250DE to select another node
but Karl Brazier from Yaesu tells me that and 433MHz repeaters that I thought I was cooling system seems to work very well. to connect to. Unlike the FTM-100DE and
the features on the FTM-3200DE and FTM- likely to hear on my travels. Unfortunately With conditions slightly up one day, FTM-400XDE models, you cannot press
3207DE are identical – the only difference for testing, the area around West Oxford- I noticed the rig stop in digital mode on the Dx button and scroll down a list. On the
being that they are single-band radios, shire where we are currently living does not 145.600MHz, where both GB3CF and GB- FTM-7250, you’ll need to enter the Wires-
rather than dual-band like the FTM-7250DE. have any nearby Fusion repeaters. Never- 3WR can be heard (I’m located on the fringe X number of the node you want to con-
The features and specification, from theless, I programmed up some, optimisti- of both of their coverage areas, somewhere nect to (for example GB3SP in Pembroke
Yaesu, are set out in the sidebar. cally, which I thought I might hear. I decided in the middle of them) but I only got the odd Dock is number 43417). You can look up
to program up the digital simplex calling word. It was promising though. whatever nodes you want to connect to at
First Impressions frequencies on both 144 and 438MHz I didn’t get the chance to try a digital the URL below and obtain the appropriate
I first encountered the FTM-7250DE when (144.6125 and 438.6125MHz) in the hope Fusion repeater until Julie and I drove up node number. If you connect to a particular
I visited Yaesu UK to meet Karl Brazier to of making a simplex contact or two. Finally, to Warwickshire for an appointment. While node regularly, then you can save the node
have a demonstration of the new System to take advantage of the FTM-7250DE’s I waited for Julie to return, I tuned the rig number for regular use. Once you’re done
Fusion II features. The FTM-7250DE has a wideband receive coverage, I set up a few to the GB3CF frequency to find that the with having connected to the node, you
solid, simple look to it, with a nice display. memories with airband and marine frequen- repeater was an excellent S7 or S8. I waited can hit the ‘*’ button and it will disconnect
I asked Karl if I could borrow one to review cies of interest. for the QSO to end and put a call through. I you. Note that you don’t have to do this
and he very kindly agreed. With all that done, I connected the rig to was delighted to find that it all worked very each time you connect to a Fusion repeater.
Pretty much the first thing I do with the V-2000 triband vertical at home to check well and I had a series of excellent con- If the repeater you connect to is already
any digital transceiver these days is to try that everything was working as it should. It tacts, including Colin MU0FAL and Peter connected to a Wires-X room, then you’ll
it out on my digital hotspot at home and all sounded promising. G7RPG.. I discovered that GB3CF was often be content to leave it as it is, but this
this is exactly what I did with the FTM- Fitting any rig into modern cars is always not hooked up to the Wires-X system, but feature gives you the option to disconnect
7250DE. When you first switch on, you a challenge and the FTM-7250DE is too instead connected to the Hubnet system, and connect somewhere else if you want
have the option to set your callsign into large to fit in the centre console of my car – which seemed busy with lots of interesting to (and have permission to do so). Karl
the radio. This is what will be displayed most radios are! However, I found a way of contacts. I found that with a strong signal and I tried this feature at Yaesu HQ and it
on other people’s radios, when you are in safely mounting it and then connected it up from GB3CF, I was able to drop power to worked just fine and although it sounds a bit
Digital (C4FM) mode. You can enter up to to the 144/432MHz mobile antenna. 5W without any detrimental effect on my cumbersome, was actually pretty easy to do
ten characters so if you have a short name Setting the rig scanning as I drove outgoing transmission quality. in practice.
such as Tim, you can set your callsign and around suggested a couple of things. Firstly, https://tinyurl.com/ydfdoc3b
name, in my case as G4VXE-Tim. Also, I that it was nice and sensitive – I noticed Digital and Wires-X Features Like all System Fusion capable rigs, the
set the power to 5W (there are three power one or two weak signals that I hadn’t heard The FTM-7250DE firmware includes support FTM-7250DE has Automatic Mode Select
levels – 50W/25W/5W), popped a dummy since using one of the cheaper (and great for the Digital Group ID (DGID) and Digital (AMS), such that when it receives a Digital
load in the antenna socket and set the value) Chinese mobile sets. Secondly, the Personal ID (DPID) capabilities that I men- Fusion signal, it will automatically change to
frequency to that of my digital hotspot. With receiver was pretty bomb-proof and there tioned in last month’s Reintroducing System the appropriate narrow or wide digital mode
the hotspot connected to one of the Yaesu were fewer funny noises when I passed Fusion article. The default DGID is set to 00, or, of course, analogue FM.
System Fusion reflectors, America Link, I shops, buses and other well-known noise meaning that everyone hears everyone but, In case you’re wondering, you can’t use
soon started to see traffic and hear voices The FTM-7250 in digital mode, receiving the GB3CF repeater. sources. as I mentioned last month, you can change the FTM-7250DE in conjunction with an

12 Practical Wireless February 2019 February 2019 Practical Wireless 13

66-67

Call us today on 01778 395161 and quote RAUS/SAVE

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6 RadioUser April 2019

 What’s new in the world of radio News

What’s New
Have you got something new to tell our readers about? If so, then drop a line to [email protected]

Radio News

S!
ES
SDRPLAY APPLICATIONS & SUPPORT
CATALOGUE : The SDRplay Applications and
Support Catalogue is your reference point
for numerous Application Notes, Application
ST

PR
OP Low-cost
Briefs, How-to Videos and much more! You
can scroll through the entire list or use the
category drop-down to home in on your area
of interest. Or you can just look for keywords
handheld
in the search box. For each entry, click on the
corresponding icon for the YouTube Video
or the PDF document. For more detailed
information on each item, click or tap on the
from
description (PC users can also hover over the
icons).
(SOURCE: SDRPlay)
https://www.sdrplay.com/apps-catalogue
Nevada
AM RECEPTION TIPS: C.Crane, in the
USA, has useful reception tips for AM radio CT-590s Midland
listening. Here is an excerpt: “If you’re having
trouble receiving your favourite talk radio Low-cost
program – determine if you get the signal at
all. If the station is a 500W station across the
Dual Band
country, no amount of reception tips will help
you receive this signal. That said, if the station
Handheld
streams, an internet radio or combining your Nevada is pleased to announce the
smartphone and a portable Bluetooth speaker release of the CT-590S Midland low-
may be a viable solution. If you get the signal, cost Dual Band Handheld Transceiver.
but it is weak, try moving near a window or Despite its entry-level price, the CT-590s
outside wall. If your reception improves, then is packed with features, including a
you know that the signal is having a hard time three-colour LCD display, keypad control,
reaching where you prefer to listen, or there FM broadcast receiving capability, scan
may be some interference. You can run an and dual watch, CTCSS, emergency SOS
antenna over to the window (or maybe even function, Vox control and lots more. The
outside). If the problem is noise, try the radio radio is programmable from a PC with
on batteries and walk around your home...”. optional software and lead. The radio
(SOURCE: C.Crane). sells for £69.95 and is supplied with a
https://tinyurl.com/y277blc5 1,500 mAh Li-Ion battery pack, desktop
fast charger, wall adaptor and belt clip.
ENHANCED SOLAR ACTIVITY: Sunspot The Midland CT-590S is available direct
numbers remain very low, as Solar Minimum from Midland distributors Nevada radio,
continues. Nevertheless, there is some big or our UK dealers.
activity on the sun at present. Really big. Nevada Group
NASA satellites and amateur astronomers Unit 1 Fitzherbert Spur
are monitoring a giant filament of magnetism Farlington Portsmouth PO6 1TT
jutting out from the edge of the solar disk. Tel: 02392 313 090
The glowing structure is fully one-tenth of www.nevadaradio.co.uk
the sun’s diameter. Visit Spaceweather.com
to watch a movie of the unstable prominence
(8th March 2019):
http://spaceweather.com

For the latest news and product reviews, visit www.radioenthusiast.co.uk

RadioUser April 2019 7
News What’s new in the world of radio

Radio News

ST
HP-1 Wired Over-Ear

OP
PR
AMATEUR RADIO GEOSTATIONARY

ES
SATELLITE TRANSPONDER NOW ACTIVE:

S!
The geostationary amateur radio narrowband
transponder on the Es’hail-2 / QO-100
satellite was made available for amateur
Folding Stereo
experimental use on Tuesday, 12th February
2019. The Qatar Amateur Radio Society
(QARS) invites radio amateurs worldwide
Headphones
to use the NB transponder in a good manner
and make contacts among each other. The
250kHz-bandwidth transponder uses the
from bhi
2.4GHz band for the uplink, with the downlink
Graham Somerville, MD at bhi
in the 10.45GHz band, and it should provide
Ltd., wrote in to say that the firm
communications over a large segment of the
recently added a low-cost pair of wired,
globe, 24 hours a day.
over- ear, folding, stereo headphones
Potentially both Brazil and Thailand might
to their range. The bhi HP-1 headphones
be in range from the UK. Contacts have been
are suitable for radio communications,
made by running as little as 500 milliwatts
as well as general purpose use. They
of SSB to a 1.2m dish. You can listen to the
are comfortable to wear, due to the
narrowband transponder from anywhere
lightweight design, adjustable
in the world by using the online WebSDR
headband and the soft, leatherette-
developed by members of AMSAT-UK and
padded, ear cups. The latter help to
the BATC, which is located at Goonhilly in
eliminate the uncomfortable pressure
Cornwall, UK.
feeling that can be created by closed,
https://tinyurl.com/y3z8xdpe
‘over-ear- type’ headphones, allowing you
https://tinyurl.com/y65v7wgg
to listen for longer. The cable is 1.9 m long
and is terminated with an integral 3.5mm
AURORA AUSTRALIS & BOREALIS – A
stereo jack plug. The HP-1 headphones are
STUDY IN ASYMMETRY: For many years,
supplied with a 1/4in stereo to 3.5mm stereo Telephone: +44(0)1444 870333
scientists have assumed that the Aurora
adapter. The order code is HP-1. Email: [email protected]
seen around the North Pole was identical to
The price is £19.95, inclusive of VAT. Web: www.bhi-ltd.com
the one seen at the South Pole. The poles are
connected by magnetic field lines; auroral
displays are caused by charged particles
streaming along these field lines. Because an addition 1.1 million listeners. Wireless is the World Short Wave Radio Association . Episode
the charged particles follow these field lines, comprised of fifteen licences across Lancashire, 647 of the ADXR is now available.
it would make sense that the auroras would , Cheshire, Shropshire, Derbyshire, West Yorkshire, https://tinyurl.com/y3a3cnty
in fact, be ‘mirror images’ of each other. Staffordshire, and South Wales. Celador adds https://adxr.podbean.com
However, in 2009, scientists discovered 25 licences across East Anglia, Thames Valley,
that aurorae can look differently around the Solent, and the South West. Finally, Lincs ‘RATIONALISATION’ AND ‘LOCALNESS’:
North Pole and the South Pole, including FM Group comprises of nine licences across With news that Global is to introduce ‘networked
having different shapes and occurring at Lincolnshire, Yorkshire and Rutland. ‘ breakfast shows, and is to have just a handful
different locations – a phenomenon called (SOURCE: The Drum) of local drive shows across Capital, Heart and
‘Asymmetry’. https://www.thedrum.com/topics/radio Smooth, RadioToday has done the maths on
(SOURCE: EoS Scientific) what this means for presenter roles across
https://tinyurl.com/y4472wjt AUSTRALIAN DX REPORT : The Australian commercial radio. RT’s exclusive figures show
[email protected] DX Report (ADXR) is a free audio broadcasting that presenter numbers could drop by more than
service, which features quality news and 250, if both Global and Bauer take full advantage
MEDIA ACQUISITIONS: Bauer Media was information about the world of short wave of recent changes in Localness Guidelines
looking to build up its radio reach in the broadcasting and related themes. The service from Ofcom. After the regulator published its
UK (from 18 million listeners, according is compiled and presented by Bob Padula, updated guidance (in October last year), the
to the latest RAJAR figures), by rolling out OAM, of Melbourne. Victoria, Australia. Bob announcements from Leicester Square about
three acquisitions in the space of a week: is a Chartered Professional Communications the introduction of ‘networked breakfast shows’
The purchase of Wireless local stations Engineer, holding the rank of Life Member of the come as no surprise to most in the industry. There
in England and Wales (boasting a weekly Institution of Engineers (Australia). He provides is going to be legislation on the deregulation of
reach of 850,000 listeners) was added to the many specialized technical consultancy services commercial radio, enabling stations to ‘flip’ music
acquisition of Celador Radio and Lincs FM and has written in the field of international high- formats and essentially ‘jump’ between brands.
Group at the end of February. This entails frequency broadcasting. The ADXR is a service of (SOURCE: Radio Today)

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8 RadioUser April 2019
 What’s new in the world of radio News

Radio News

ST
JVC KENWOOD UK

OP
PR
BITCOIN SENT OVER NATIONAL

appoints Martin Lynch &

ES
BORDERS VIA SHORT WAVE: In January,

S!
a cryptocurrency enthusiast in an unknown
location in Eastern Europe paid with bitcoin
(via lightning-network) to broadcast strange
messages from a blockstream satellite
Sons as Sole UK Distributor
high up in the sky. In the most recent case,
Established in 1990, Martin Lynch & Sons Ham Radio community alike”. Managing
one user sent bitcoin to another one, using
Ltd (ML&S) is Kenwood’s largest Ham Radio Director Martin Lynch commented: “I
short wave radio. He used a free protocol
distributor/retailer in the UK and from April have been selling Kenwood transceivers
for short wave communications to do the
2019 becomes its sole UK distributor for since the late seventies and witnessed
transaction. The protocol used is identified
Kenwood Amateur Radio products. The incredible products including the TS-830,
as JS8Call, which enables users to connect
business, which has earned more ‘Kenwood TS-930, TS-940, TS-950, TS-990 through
a short wave radio to a computer. Once
Amateur Radio Dealer of the Year Awards’ to their current benchmark performance
they are connected, they can basically send
than any other, invested in a new 6000sqft transceiver, the TS-890S. Kenwood
and receive short wave-transmitted text
office and showroom centre close to continues to design and manufacture
messages to other JS8Call users without
Heathrow Airport and major motorway links equipment that is respected around the
any special license. Reports suggest that the
in 2015 and has grown to become one of the world by serious operators who value
transaction was made from Toronto, Canada
largest and most dynamic names in the UK performance and reliability. My team
with the tokens sent to Michigan, USA.
Ham Radio market. and I are delighted to have achieved this
Since it is a brainwallet, the bearer did not
Mike Atkins, Director, Communications appointment for sole distribution through
need any internet connection to broadcast
Division, JVCKENWOOD UK, commented: our hard work promoting and supporting
the transaction at the time of sending.
“We are committed to the Amateur Radio the Kenwood brand.”
Although brainwallets are not entirely safe,
Market where we have been a major driver of JVCKENWOOD U.K. Limited
the ability to send BTC while offline is quite
technological and product advances since 12 Priestley Way, London NW2 7BA
an achievement. The sender never prepared
1958. The appointment of Martin Lynch as Email: [email protected]
any signed transaction, and then sent it
the sole distributor for the UK reflects the ML & S Martin Lynch & Sons
to the recipient for them to broadcast it to
continued support and commitment from Wessex House
the blockchain. On the contrary, he sent
Martin and his excellent team over the years, Drake Avenue, Staines
his recipient a private key that enabled the
while the specific focus and increased Surrey TW18 2AP
recipient to transfer the funds to his wallet,
flexibility they bring, I’m confident, will prove Tel: +44 1932 567 333
using only that private key. The last picture
to be of great benefit to UK retailers and the Email: [email protected]
evidence of the transaction is a visual
representation of the data that came from
the recipient’s radio, directed to the sender’s
radio. In all cases, the short wave radios hear has now also opened a Ham Radio Store. In services in English. This edition also includes
background electromagnetic ‘noise’ that is association with Amazon, this store occasionally a comprehensive guide to music programming
also referred to as ‘static’. Once they receive offers bargains, which do not appear in many other available on short wave, and schedules for the
a recognizable signal, it can be visually places. It is surprising what you can find; there is World Radio Network. Broadcasts in English is
represented as a ‘blip’, or interruption, found a much bigger choice than you might think. Have a sent free to all members of the British DX Club.
in the background noise. look for that elusive items you are missing or have Copies are also available to non-members at
(SOURCE: CryptoVibes/ SWLing Post) lost from your shack. the following prices (postage included): United
https://www.cryptovibes.com (SOURCE: Southgate Amateur Radio News) Kingdom - £3 (UK Pounds); Europe Airmail - £4 (UK
http://tinyurl.com/y6lbaxgh https://www.electronics-notes.com/hamstore Pounds); 6 Euros (cash/PayPal), 5 International
Reply Coupons; or 6 (US Dollars-cash/PayPal);
ELECTRONICS NOTES OPENS A HAM BDXC PUBLICATIONS: From May, The British Rest of World Airmail - 6 International Reply
RADIO STORE : The website, Electronics DX Club’s Broadcasts In English for the A-19 Coupons, $8 (US Dollars-cash/PayPal) or £ 5 (UK
Notes provides a large amount of useful schedules is available, in printed format or as a Pounds). If you would like an electronic copy in
reference material for engineers, students, PDF. Broadcasts in English is compiled by BDXC’s pdf format,rather than the printed copy, this is
radio enthusiasts and hobbyists. Within Dave Kenny and Alan Roe. It includes details of available on request. Price for the pdf version is
this collection of resources, there is also a all known international broadcasts in English as per the UK rates above. The pdf document will
significant amount of background material on shortwave and mediumwave for the current be sent to you via e-mail. How to Pay: UK Cheque
for radio amateurs and short wave listeners, schedule period, as well as selected domestic / UK postal order payable to “British DX Club”;
on a wide range of subjects surrounding English-language broadcasts on short wave. International Reply Coupons; Cash in $US, Euros
amateur radio. What is more, there are also The 28-page booklet is in a handy time order or other major currencies (but no foreign coins or
noteworthy resources on radio receiver throughout and covers all target areas worldwide. foreign cheques please). Orders by post to British
technology, RF design, antennas, radio Transmitter sites are included, where possible, DX Club (BDXC), 10 Hemdean Hill, Caversham,
propagation , radio waves, and more. To along with schedules for Media & Mailbag Reading, RG4 7SB, UK. PayPal payments to:
complement this further, Electronics Notes Programmes and Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) [email protected]

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RadioUser April 2019 9
News What’s new in the world of radio

Radio News

ST
OP
PR
THE FUTURE OF SHORT WAVE: When is

ES
the last time you heard a short wave radio

S!
transmission? And why should you put
up with possibly ‘crackly’ audio and some
interference, when we now have the internet,
satellites, FM and all forms of digital radio?
This holds true, if you are in London, Boston,
Paris or Toronto. But what if you are on an
island in Indonesia, or if you find yourself
in west China, in Kashmir or in Brazilian
Amazonia? Because, whether we like it or not,
there are several remote places in this vast
world, many of which still depend on short
wave broadcasting.
In the past (just think of the ‘Cold War’),
a lot of people were able to obtain free
information from a range of international
short wave programmes. Many international
broadcasters were running expensive,
energy-guzzling, transmitters for this
frequency band “without borders” that ranges
from 1.7–30 MHz (176.3–10.0m) - from the
high end of the medium frequency band just
Lindars Radios News
above the medium wave AM broadcast band, Lindars Radios will be going into their 3rd responsible for maintaining the website
to the end of the HF band. Short wave is just year of trading this summer, and there have and advertising. Justin continued, “We
short of a miracle, actually. When it is beamed been lots of exciting changes along the would like to point out that we have a small
at an angle, it hits the ionosphere - a mirror way. Justin stated: “We have recently taken vintage radio museum in the shop as well
around the Earth - and then it falls, like a ball, on a Yaesu Dealership and can now offer as plenty of amateur radio equipment”
at great distances, and beyond the horizon. our customers the full Yaesu Line-up.” The Lindars Radios wishes to thank all their
Thus, these transmissions reach listeners second-hand market is still expanding, and customers for helping make this rather
over large areas, across continents and new stock is pouring in every month. There unusual second-hand business succeed
beyond. Two or three high-power transmitters is now a new member of staff who will be (Pictured: The Lindars ‘Radio Museum’).
can potentially cover the entire world.
Short wave is used not just by international
radio stations or radio amateurs, but is also its short wave transmissions to countries such as MOONRAKER ACQUIRES SHARMAN
essential for aviation, marine, diplomatic the United States and other developed parts of the MULTICOM BRAND: Moonraker has recently
and emergency purposes. Short wave world, since these territories, or rather “markets” acquired the Sharman brand, and certain assets,
signals are not restricted or controlled by were served by FM and the internet etc. Other to include all of its stock. Sharman’s is a great
the receiving countries and, as frequencies important international broadcasters, including business, with a range of superb products, and
change in winter and summer, they need to be Deutsche Welle, Radio Australia and Radio Exterior Moonraker are looking forward to continuing the
coordinated internationally. de Espana - rather foolishly - soon copied this Sharman MultiCOM brand and product range.
This is the task of the High-Frequency model. Arguably, this entailed a significant decline The Moonraker and Sharman brands, can now
Co-ordination Conference (HFCC), a in ‘soft’ diplomacy, for those who abandoned deliver one of the largest ranges of hobby radio
non-governmental, non-profit association, short wave. But the BBC kept short wave for its communication equipment in the market.
and a sector member of the International large audiences in Africa and part of Asia. At the Moonraker stated that the firm intends to
Telecommunication Union (ITU). This group moment, the major short wave broadcasters in the maintain the ethos of both companies. This
meets twice a year to produce a coordinated world are the BBC, the Voice of America, All India strategy consists of a vision of delivering
schedule for a summer and winter season, Radio, China Radio International, Radio Japan, competitive pricing, quality ‘in-stock’ products
ironing out any interference issues among Radio Romania International, KBS Korea, the Voice and excellent, comprehensive, customer service,
countries or broadcasters. At their recent of Turkey and many more. Twenty years after the from a professional, well-trained, fun and friendly
meeting last month, they also discussed first big blow to short wave, this frequency band team.
— once again — the future of short wave. and its potential are being revisited. After all, Moonraker is in the process of amalgamating
Nobody can deny that short wave goes not all the listeners in the world have broadband, Sharman’s stock into Moonraker’s. Radio
beyond geographical, cultural, religious, smartphones, data plans, connected cars or amateurs, as well as short wave listeners,
political barriers, [that it] is free, and [that it] enough disposable income (Source: Chrissy Brand radio industry professionals and general radio
can be consumed anonymously, which few and Georg Wiessala, from a number of news items enthusiasts are advised to watch out for lots of
platforms can claim nowadays. and reports on short wave, throughout the months new products coming soon.
About 20 years ago, the BBC decided to cut of February and March 2019). (SOURCE: Moonraker)

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10 RadioUser April 2019
 What’s new in the world of radio News

Radio News

ST
OP
PR
WILL RADIO EVENTUALLY LOOK LIKE AN

ES
APP: Every year in February the European

S!
Broadcasting Union (EBU) Digital Radio Week
brings together key players from the radio
community to share ideas, experiences,
questions, lessons learned and inspiration.
The 2019 edition, taking place in February
at the EBU headquarters in Geneva, was
hosting a number of events, including
Radio Hack, the Automotive Workshop and
the Digital Radio Summit, together with
thematic workshops, such as the Radio
Archive Workshop, dedicated to archivists,
technologists and content creators. The
Automotive Workshop focused on how
today’s in-car multimedia entertainment
systems feature unprecedented engagement
capabilities, and it highlighted how IP-based
content-distribution platforms, like Spotify
and Pandora are taking full advantage of the
efforts (and money) that car manufacturers
are investing.
Logos, song titles, updated info and news
on the performing artist and cover art is now
available as standard through these listening
platforms, enhancing the overall listening
experience. In this context, today’s broadcast
New Blood for BBC Radio 3
radio receiver, in the views of some, appears
A brand new weekly programme called composer Ollie Howell. This Classical
to offer a notably ‘scaled-down’ experience.
This Classical Life, fronted by saxophonist Life will immediately precede Radio 3’s
There has been an ongoing debate
Jess Gillam, is just part of some schedule Saturday lunchtime programme Inside
on this between car manufacturers
changes planned for BBC Radio 3. The Music. The first episode of This Classical
and broadcasters, and the discussion
20-year-old former BBC Young Musician Life will air on BBC Radio 3 on Saturday
continued during this workshop. In an
finalist will be the youngest presenter 6 April and will be available as a podcast
effort to offer an improved onboard media
on the station, joined each week by her on BBC Sounds. Jess Gillam said: “I’m so
experience for drivers and passengers
contemporaries to select and discuss their excited to be joining BBC Radio 3 as the
alike, car manufacturers have been asking
favourite pieces from across the musical presenter of This Classical Life. Music
broadcasters to include (or link) metadata
spectrum, giving an insight into the musical is such a huge part of my life, and I can’t
and visual objects in their feeds.
influences on young performers. Confirmed wait to share all my latest and greatest
While broadcasters generally see this
guests include 22-year-old pianist Isata discoveries with fellow musicians who
as a great opportunity to build a better
Kanneh-Mason, double bassist Sam Becker, will be joining me on the show, as well as
in-car experience, they are worried about
former BBC Introducing pianist and sound with listeners at home.”
the costs associated with IP or in-band
artist Belle Chen and film and television Source: BBC / RadioToday
delivery of show-related images, and the
publication of cover art. In addition to this,
today’s radio workflows seem unfit for
this mass-production or management of suggested a way to potentially overcome this ‘force’ broadcasters to produce feature-rich
additional images and data, which require, for issue, based on the assumption that companies and appealing visual content, to be updated and
example, regular updates of program logos sponsoring radio programs should generally like synchronized with their audio feeds, in order
and promotional images. For many years, the idea of integrating their logo into a show- to meet advertiser demand. Radio marketing
the radio industry has been discussing the related picture appearing on car dashboards. professionals could also promote this opportunity
possibility of enriching the audio feed, either Thus, instead of trying to convince broadcasters by offering their advertisers the availability of
technically or creatively, but the conversation to enrich their audio feed through a straight, direct detailed audience-metrics through the return
up to now often resulted in focusing on approach, the radio industry would target radio channel of hybrid in-car radio to sponsors. The
its drawbacks, which include the need for advertisers, promoting the opportunity to easily result, said participants, would be that advertisers
broadcasters to fund these efforts. Each sponsor radio shows by integrating their logo and commercial colleagues lead the way, thus
time, therefore, the process has come to a within a show-related picture that appears on car encouraging broadcasters to finally fully embrace
freezing point with no or little outcome. dashboards. the multimedia approach.
During this workshop, participants This approach, according to proponents, would (SOURCE: Radioworld)

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RadioUser April 2019 11
News What’s new in the world of radio

Radio News

ST
OP
PR
RADIO IN THE TIME OF DIGITAL TECH:

ES
YourStory.com recently made some important

S!
points about ‘radio continuity versus tradition’: To
understand the history of radio, one needs to first
understand the history of radio wave technology
that was first used for wireless communication.
Much of what defines our modern-day life is, in
fact, based on the premise of the development
and evolution of radio technology. From
wireless connectivity to Bluetooth, and even
smart homes equipped with IoT (Internet-of-
Things)-enabled devices - it all started with the
radio. The question is: who discovered it first?
Experiments with electromagnetism began
as early as in the 1700s. Scottish scientist
James Clerk Maxwell laid the foundation in
theoretical form with his Treatise on Electricity
and Magnetism way back in 1873. But it was
German physicist Heinrich Hertz, who proved
the existence of electromagnetic waves through
experimentation. However, it wasn’t until the
late 1800s that the concept was utilised in
SSTV out of this world
telecommunication. Two names crop up when The SSTV image, above, was received by suit expires its sell-by date, it is now
one looks at this - Serbian-American inventor our regular correspondent Bob Houlston, traditional to deploy it as a novel OSCAR
Nikolai Tesla and Italian inventor Guglielmo on 30th January 2019 15:37 UTC from satellite orbiting radio beacon. For
Marconi. Although Tesla is believed to have first ISS 145.800 MHz FM Mode PD120 using example, SuitSat-1 was the first using
demonstrated what would be an early version RX-SSTV free software with a simple folded 145.990MHz FM.
of the radio in St. Louis in 1893, the invention dipole in the loft space. tinyurl.com/suitsat-1
is usually attributed to Marconi. Why? For the It celebrates SuitSat-1. When a space (Source: Bob Houlston G4PVB)
simple reason that he was conferred the first-
ever patent for a wireless telegraphic system.
While this was a monumental achievement, incorporating entertainment. Even the content eighth World Radio Day, UN Secretary-General
it continues to fuel debate over the original of the programming witnessed a transition from António Guterres aptly summarises, “Even in
inventor even now. How we view the radio today is information-centric broadcast and episodic today’s world of digital communications, radio
very different from its earliest counterpart. After formats to music-heavy programmes. Tune in reaches more people than any other media
Marconi popularised the wireless technology, to the radio was a commonly-used phrase to the platform.”
radio was mostly used for communication point where music and radio almost became True, the style and shape may have changed.
through telegraphy. It was especially significant synonymous. Contrary to popular belief, radio But the essence remains the same as agencies
in terms of naval communication as ships out in thrives beyond the stereo set in your car. In the like the UN and broadcasters from across the
the sea used it to communicate with other ships current digital-heavy landscape, radio has taken world use radio to foster conversations around
and even the land station. The true potential a newer shape and has even entered newer the theme of Dialogue, Tolerance and Peace on
of radio technology, however, wasn’t realised platforms. It lives on the Web. It survives as World Radio Day 2019. Therefore, in the midst of
until World War I. The military usage of radio, to content in audio files and podcasts. It continues streaming music on your iPods, smartphones,
send and receive critical intelligence, became to touch a million lives as a tech, growing with Google Homes and Amazon Echos, do remember
quite popular during this period. Riding on 5G networks and high-speed connectivity. Tesla the humble radio that sparked this saga of
this wave, radar technology, the first remote- and Marconi couldn’t possibly have imagined technological innovation.
controlled vehicles, and various surveillance what they would bring about while tinkering (SOURCE: YourStory.com)
tools were also built. The post-World War II era with electromagnetism. Growing at a dizzying
would usher in a new age for radio. Not only pace, wireless technology has impacted nearly CHINA DRM MOVE: Just over a year ago, China
did countries start integrating this technology every sector in one way or the other. In the field of had no regular DRM presence. Today, it’s the
for public use, but the way information was medicine, IoT-connected healthcare devices and world’s largest DRM shortwave broadcaster
sent and consumed changed also drastically. equipment are steadily becoming popular. with the most DRM transmitters in operation in
Around this time, television broadcasts over IoT sensors appear to have replaced traditional this band and the most extensive schedule. The
radio waves became immensely popular. In methods of farming while increasing yields by initial broadcasts started in early 2018 from
fact, broadcast companies like the British ensuring precision. Even logistics and transport Beijing. Services continued to roll out over the
Broadcasting Company or BBC in the UK and are no longer strangers to satellite trackers, years, via various transmitter sites, often on the
the AT&T in the US, which had cropped up internet-connected trackers, and wireless country’s periphery.
between WWI and WWII, shifted gears and began sensors for fleet management. Ahead of the (SOURCE: Hans Johnson / Radioworld)

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12 RadioUser April 2019
 Book Store

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signs, from the simple to the more fabrications of electronic compo-

photographs and

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usenow available in a
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crystal radio sets. Basic theory

information are those

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RadioUser April 2019 13
Airband News

Airband, Artificial
Intelligence, and Aimee
David Smith reports on trials of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology
to reduce delays at Heathrow and on a test run for reduced separation
standards over the North Atlantic. He profiles Humberside Airport.
ther 2% increase expected in 2020. visibility from the control tower, boost-
David Smith Despite increased trafic levels, NATS ing punctuality for passengers and reduc-
[email protected] delay igures have improved, with an aver- ing late runners for local residents. NATS
age per-light delay of 12.5 seconds in 2018, has begun a trial to understand whether
Artiicial Intelligence (AI) could be used to

A
ccording to NATS, 2018 was compared with 26.8 seconds in 2007. This
the busiest one on record for represents a 60% reduction in delay, attrib- help reduce light delays.
air trafic across the UK, with utable in part, it is claimed, to the introduc- NATS is deploying 20 ultra-high-deini-
higher levels of trafic than tion of new technology. tion cameras at the airield, the views from
2007, the previous peak year Juliet Kennedy, NATS Operations Director, which are then fed into an AI platform called
prior to the economic downturn. The UK said: “Air travel has never been more popular. Aimee, developed by the Canada-based
broke its annual air trafic record by 0.3%, This increased demand on our airspace does Searidge Technologies. The Aimee plat-
with 2,557,780 lights in 2018 compared put it under pressure though, with areas over form can interpret the images, track the
with 2,550,102 lights in 2007, marking six the South East already experiencing a capac- aircraft and inform the controller when it
consecutive years of growth since trafic ity crunch at peak times during the day. The has successfully cleared the runway. The
started to increase again after the global next few years are critical, if we are to ‘future- controller then makes the decision to clear
inancial crisis. proof’ our skies, so we are working with our the next arrival.
The summer months, in particular, saw industry partners now to plan, update and Heathrow’s 87-metre tall control tower
many previous light records broken, as trav- modernise airspace.” is the highest in the UK and provides com-
el in May, June and July exceeded previous manding views of the airport and surround-
peaks. A high of 8,854 lights handled by AI @ Heathrow ing landscape. However, its very height can
NATS controllers on a single day in the UK Meanwhile, at Heathrow Airport, some also mean it disappears into low cloud, even
was recorded on 25 May 2018. Air trafic in sources stated that Artiicial Intelligence when the runways below are clear. In those
2019 is forecast to increase by 1% in the UK (AI) could help to reclaim 20% of lost ca- conditions, where the controllers have to
Flight Information Region (FIR), with a fur- pacity caused by low cloud and reduced rely on radar to know if an arriving aircraft

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14 RadioUser April 2019
 Airband News

ATC Profiles 12: Humberside Airport arriving aircraft, in order to ensure the ac-
ICAO Code: EGNJ IATA Code: HUY curacy of the system. The project indings
will then be presented to the Civil Aviation
Frequencies (MHz) Hours of Operation Authority (CAA). The same technology
Humberside Approach/Radar 119.130 0620-2115 might also be used to (one day, perhaps)
Humberside Radar 129.255 As directed by ATC
Humberside Tower 124.905 0620-2115 control the airport’s third runway.
Humberside Tower 119.130 As directed by ATC Andy Taylor, NATS Chief Solution Oficer,
Humberside Fire 121.600 (non-ATC) Fire vehicles attending aircraft on the ground
said: “Artiicial Intelligence is about support-
ATIS ing air trafic controllers: While they remain
Humberside Information 124.130 0620-2115 (Tel: 01652 682 020) the decision-makers at the heart of the oper-
Navaids ILS CAT I on Runway 20
NDB KIM (365.000kHz) ation, we can use it to provide new tools that
help them make the best possible decisions
Runways 02 2196m x 45m
20 2196m x 45m
and improve eficiency and safety.
08 989m x 18m Right now, we are focusing on when the
26 989m x 18m control tower is in low cloud, where I am con-
Holds NDB KIM
ident that we can make a very positive dif-
ference, but I am convinced that this technol-
Notes (A-Z)
ogy can totally revolutionise how air trafic is
CAT II/III Operations
managed at airports around the world.”
Humberside Airport is not equipped for CAT II/III operations. However, Low Visibility Procedures (LVP) are used
to protect CAT I operations. Preparation for LVP will commence when the Runway Visual Range (RVR) is at 1000m The trial is part of a £2.5 million invest-
and falling. Pilots will be informed by ATIS or by RT when LVPs are in operation. ment NATS has made in a ‘digital tower lab-
Departures Joining the Airways System
oratory’, located inside the Heathrow control
Flight plans are to be submitted to join at GOLES or OTBED. tower. Here, it is working with the airport to
understand how technology could support
Ground Movement
Pilots of non-handled visiting aircraft are to report to the Vehicle Control Post adjacent to the apron (marked by an air trafic operations, now and in the future.
illuminated ‘C’).
NAT Reduced Separation Trial
Handling Agents
Handling for all aircraft above 3 tonnes MTOW (Maximum Take-Off Weight) is mandatory. A trial of reduced separation standards for
Swissport (Commercial/Passenger/Cargo): All aircraft operating for hire and reward, non-based international ADS-B-equipped aircraft in the Shanwick,
lights: 130.600MHz.
Weston Aviation (Executive/Business Aviation.
Gander and Santa Maria Oceanic Control
areas of the North Atlantic Track (NAT)
Helicopter Main Routes system is scheduled to begin on or soon
HMRs are established between Humberside and the Southern North Sea off-shore safety area. Pilots are reminded
of the close proximity of Danger Areas EG R313 (Scampton) and EG D307 (Donna Nook). There may be military after 28 March. The trial program is known
aircraft performing high-energy manoeuvres, and unable to conform to the Rules of the Air. Search and Rescue as the Advanced Surveillance-Enhanced
(SAR) operations may occur H24, including outside the operating hours of the aerodrome and Aerodrome Trafic Procedural Separation (ASEPS).
Zone (ATZ). Pilots are recommended to make a blind call on the Humberside Tower frequency (124.905MHz)
when the aerodrome is published as ‘closed’, and they are transiting through, or close to, the ATZ. Longitudinal separation of aircraft operat-
ing on the same track, or intersecting tracks,
Helicopter Operations
Helicopters to land as instructed by ATC. Air taxiing to be conducted with caution, due to apron congestion.
will be reduced to 17 nautical miles, provid-
ed that the relative angle between the tracks
Noise Abatement Procedures is less than 90 degrees and 14nm, and
Aircraft should avoid overlying local villages; Kirmington, Searby, Grasby, Barnetby, and the grounds of Brocklesby
House. where the relative angle between the tracks
is less than 45 degrees.
Use of Runways Opposite-direction aircraft on recipro-
Circuit direction is normally to the north. Jet aircraft to carry out right-hand circuits when landing on Runway
20. Runway 08/26 is restricted to piston-engine, non-public, transport aircraft, with an all up weight of less than cal tracks might be cleared to climb or de-
5000kg. The restriction does not apply to rotary aircraft (tiltrotor aircraft are not authorised to use Runway 08/26). scend to or through the levels occupied
Use of Runway 08/26 is available only during daylight hours. by another aircraft if the aircraft have re-
Visual Reference Points (VRP) ported by ADS-B and have passed each
Immingham Docks; North Tower Humber Bridge; Caistor; Brigg; Laceby Crossroads; Elsham Wolds. other within 5 nm.
Warnings
The relevant news bulletin said that a
Instrument Approach Procedures (IAP) for this aerodrome are established outside controlled airspace. Light trial implementation of lateral ASEPS will
aircraft are warned of the possible effect of wake turbulence by preceding helicopters on approach or departure. start no earlier than six months after the
Light aircraft should also be aware of the possible effect of rotor downwash, generated by large helicopters
operating through the main apron area. Caution: Pilots are reminded that parachuting takes place at the beginning of the longitudinal separation op-
Hibaldstow (unlicensed) Aerodrome between Flight Level 160 and ground level. erational trial.
My aircraft picture of the month is of
the Beluga XL prototype departing from
has left the runway, extra time is given be- help the airport reclaim lost capacity. Hawarden on 16th February, after a two-day
tween each landing to ensure its safety. Non-operational trials are now underway visit to try out facilities for loading wings at
The result is a 20% loss in landing capacity, to understand the feasibility of introducing the Airbus factory.
which creates delays for passengers and the technology into service as early as later It was also to show the workers the new
knock-on disruption for the rest of the op- this year. From now until March, Aimee will aircraft, which is about a third larger than
eration. NATS believes the new system will study the behaviour of more than 50,000 the current Belugas.

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RadioUser April 2019 15
Aerials Now!

More Active Aerials & Mini Whips

Keith Rawlings
[email protected]

Keith Rawlings introduces a project to

remotely power the PA0RDT mini whip
he built last month, using a Bias-T. He
also responds to some reader feedback.

Following up on last month’s description

of the building of a PA0RDT mini whip,
this month, I will see about powering it re-
motely, through the coaxial feeder, and
using a Bias-T.
This device applies a voltage to the co-
axial feeder; in doing so, it isolates the RF
(Radio Frequency) circuits from the DC 1

supply, using blocking capacitors. It also

isolates the DC supply from RF, by means sufice. Next is a 470uh choke, which pass- to the 470nf capacitor should have its other
of the use of inductors. The design can be es DC to the feeder and so to the aerial. The end to aerial ground and its opposite wire
used for any active device in the HF range choke allows DC to pass but stops RF from going to the receiver output, with its other
that needs 12-15V, applied via the feeder. getting back into the DC supply. end going to the receiver ground. The two
There are various designs for achieving The 470nf capacitor blocks DC; it dots next to the transformer depict the
this. I use a variation of one usually recom- is essential, because, without it, there orientation of the windings.
mended for the PA0RDT mini Whip (Fig. 1). would be a DC short to ground through a You can do away with the transformer
My version shown in the images varies, transformer, T1. T1 has a 1:1 ratio and gives if you believe noise will not be an issue.
in that it is a dual-supply for two aerials isolation between the aerial and receiver. However, in that case, connect the 470nf
(one port favours lower frequencies, while This helps prevent noise and rubbish capacitor to your receiver input. If you do
the other favours HF). Both ports have dual travelling along the feeder from getting this, and the capacitor fails short circuit,
outputs for feeding two different receiver into the receiver. To maintain this isolation, this will present DC to your receiver input!
routes. The only real difference I have made an insulated case is required to house the I built my Bias-T into a salvaged plastic
to the circuit depicted in Fig. 1 is the trans- Bias-T. Getting back to T1, this needs 15 to box that has been used for numerous past
former. Otherwise, both ports are just dupli- 20 biilar turns on a ferrite core (Fig. 2). projects (Fig. 4). The box already had a
cating each other. For LF, I have used a T50-J core. However, piece of prototyping board stuck to the
for general listening, a T50-43 is ine. You bottom, and I have utilised this, along with
Circuit Explanation. will see some designs using a T37 core. If some copper tape that forms the +V and
The circuit depicted in Fig 1 is slightly dif- you can get enough turns on one, that’s ine. -V DC rails. For the sake of clarity, ignore
ferent from the one printed last month, in When winding biilar turns, the wires have the components of the second channel
that it does not have the earth jumper. to be evenly twisted together before they on the left of the interior view (Fig. 5).
DC is applied to the circuit and lows are wound onto the core. I do this by cutting There is a 2.5mm DC socket itted to the
through D1; this is a Schottky device, the wire to length as required and then box, alongside an on-off switch and LED
providing reverse polarity protection. A twisting them together at one end, before power indicator. The BNC sockets are
Schottky device is popular, because of the clamping in a pin chuck and twisting the mounted opposite one another on each
low voltage drop across the diode. wire slowly by hand (Figs. 2 and 3). side of the box. Power is from the DC
In my application, I used a BAT42, as that In the next step, wind the wire through input to the switch.
was all I could ind in my trays. A device ca- the core; each pass-through is one turn. Diode D1 is soldered on the switch and
pable of 1Amp is recommended. It is also Try to spread the turns evenly around the runs down to the proto-board, where it is
possible to use a silicon diode, such as a core (Fig. 2). The transformer depicted here soldered to one of the pads on the board.
1N4001, but this has a higher voltage drop. is actually triilar-wound (three windings Fuse F1 is soldered at this point and also to
This may not be a concern if you have a together), but it indicates the technique. the +V copper strip. Coupling capacitor C1
power supply that can still provide 12-15V The wire used has to be insulated and, and smoothing capacitor C2 are soldered
when measured at the aerial, once any volt- to make life easier, of different colours, between the two copper strips, observing
age drop in the feeder is taken into account. otherwise, a multimeter (set to read Ω) will the correct polarity for C2.
After this, there is a resettable fuse. In be required to identify the windings. I used The 470uh choke is connected from
the case of a fault, and once any overload is 32 Standard Wire Gauge (SWG) enamelled the +V strip to the inner of the BNC sock-
cleared, the fuse resets and things carry on copper wire and a multimeter. et that goes to the aerial. The DC blocking
as normal. A conventional fuse may be it- Ideally, you should keep the windings in capacitor connects to this point with the
ted here; for the mini whip, a 100ma should phase; that is, the end of the wire that goes other end soldered to a pad on the board.

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16 RadioUser April 2019
 Aerials Now!

ALL PICTURES: KEITH RAWLINGS

2 3

4 5

between the two windings of T1 for DC

Fig. 1: The Bias-T circuit. Fig. 2: The Ferrite. Fig.
3: Winding. Fig. 4: The Case. Fig. 5: Case Interior. to appear at SK3.
Parts List
470uh choke 500 ma or more
If all is well, connect your mini whip to
470nf Ceramic
Transformer T1 is now soldered into place. SK2 and receiver to SK3 and start to enjoy
100nf Ceramic
Take the wires from one winding and sol- the remarkable reception that this tiny ae-
100uf Electrolytic 35v
der to the inner pin of SK2 and the other rial is capable of. Table 1 shows the list of
D1 1 Amp Schottky
to the outer (ground) of SK2; do the same parts I have used for this project.
F1 MF-USMF075 or 500ma conventional
with the other winding connecting to SK3,
T1 T37-50 or T50-J (75)
in the same way. The Right Aerial for the Job (ctd.)
32 SWG enamelled copper wire
Without connecting anything to the unit, Last month, I touched on which aerial to
Connectors as required.
you can now power it up, using a clean 12V use. In this context, I commented that an
power supply. With a multimeter, check to amateur (dual or tri-band) vertical was a
ensure that you have a DC supply at SK2 good as anything for general listening on One of the characteristics of an LPDA is
(which goes to the aerial). most of the VHF and UHF bands. that its input impedance and gain remain
After this, check SK3, which goes to your I also pointed out that I often use almost constant over its operating band-
receiver; ensure that you DO NOT have any an LPDA (Log Periodic Dipole Array, width. While it contains a large number of
voltage at this point. If you do, DO NOT con- 100 -1300MHz), when I have an inter- dipole elements, only two or three are active
nect your receiver, but recheck your wiring. est in a certain direction of origin of VHF for any given frequency over its operating
It would be highly unlikely that DC would ap- and UHF signals. range (Fig. 5). As well as forward-gain, the
pear at this point, due to component failure. An LPDA is a directional broadband LPDA can have a Front-to-Back-Ratio (FB)
If the 470nf capacitor were shorted, aerial. It allows the user to concentrate of some 15-20dB. FB is the ratio of maxi-
then DC would low to ground through T1, signals in one direction over a wide fre- mum forward radiation, compared to the
tripping the fuse (or probably burning out quency range. This gives some gain and minimum rearward radiation. It can be use-
the transformer winding if no fuse is it- directivity over a similar aerial, such as a ful for reducing unwanted signals off the
ted). Also, there would have to be a short discone aerial. back of the beam.

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RadioUser April 2019 17
Aerials Now!

Previously, I also stated that, in some

ways, I did consider an LPDA to be
a compromise, because a dedicated
beam for a single frequency – and with
a similar number of elements – should
yield slightly better performance but at
a much narrower bandwidth. The image
in Fig. 6 demonstrates this: At the top,
you can see the projected SWR plot of a
12-element LPDA (designed for the military
airband). It has a reasonably lat response,
from 200 to above 500MHz. Below it is
the SWR plot of a 12-element Yagi for the
70cm band. Note how the SWR is only
low, around 435MHz. Underneath this, you
can see the theoretical polar plots. On the
left, is the (narrower) 435MHz plot of the
12-element, 70cm, beam.
To the right of this, you can detect a
demonstrative plot of the LPDA, taken at
300MHz. Observe how much wider the
radiation pattern is here, compared to the
Yagi. An LPDA does not have to be ‘ultra’
wideband, they can also be constructed for
smaller frequency spans, such as the mil-
air model in the example above. Variants
of the LPDA are also used for EMC and
compliance testing.

Feedback
Paul Hitchin from Norfolk took me right Fig. 6: The 12-element NEC model comparison (4NEC2 model).
back to when I discussed aerial analysers
and mentioned that one of those could be be more useful to the licensed amateur, shortened dipoles since the CB whip he
used to tune an ATU (Aerial Tuning Unit). allowing the ATU to be set without uses seems to pick up a lot of noise. He
Paul asked how this could be done using transmitting. However, it has the benefit thinks a dipole could be better, but he does
a noise bridge and what benefit there might for listeners that the ATU can be set on the not have much room to implement one.
be in doing this. steady noise signal from the bridge. This is something I will look at in
Paul, the technique is easy enough, Furthermore, Tracey Gardner pointed the future Alan.
the aerial is connected to the ATU, and out that, in the February column, I did not As always, I will reply to questions and
then the ATU connects to the noise make mention that Roelof Bakker PA0RDT queries via this column.
bridge (or analyser). This, in turn, produces his mini whip to order for those Good Listening and see you all in this
connects to a receiver. people who wish to use it, but not have the column next month.
The bridge controls are set, so that R=50 time or ability to build one.
Ω, and Xc/Xl = zero. The bridge is turned Here are the contact details for Roelof, as Links
on, and then the ATU adjusted for a null given by Tracey: https://tinyurl.com/mdr3ejg
(minimum noise) on the receiver at the [email protected] https://tinyurl.com/y4gt8fqv
operating frequency. This technique may Alan asked me whether I could cover https://tinyurl.com/k3pbqve

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 Maritime Matters

A Marine Pedigree, Inmarsat,

and Noteworthy Incidents
Robert Connolly gets personal, delving into his own maritime family
background, before introducing the Inmarsat C SafetyNet System and
reporting on some recent maritime incidents.

ROBERT CONNOLLY

Robert Connolly
[email protected]

t is often said that those of us who

I love the sea and ships have the sea

in our blood. That is something that
I would not disagree with. My father
joined the Royal Navy aged 16, pri-
or to the outbreak of World War II, as a boy
sailor, to become a wireless telegraphist
serving on both ships and shore stations. In
1942, his oficial naval record showed him
as having “fallen below naval itness stand-
ard”, with this entry written in pencil, prob-
ably so that it could be changed later if his
circumstances changed.
It was at this point he had been secretly
transferred to top-secret wireless intercept
tasks that provided Bletchley Park with sig-
nals for decoding. Oficial naval records
then showed him as being with the RNVR
(Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve). His role in
the RNVR was actually a ‘cover’ for the top-
secret wireless intercept service work he
was involved with during the war. Fig.1: The Master Mariner’s Certiicate earned by my great-great-grandfather.
In essence, he was still within his naval
service period, and if he had reverted back ued listening to short wave radio as a hobby craft, including many ishing vessels, were
to normal naval service, the entry in his ser- after he left the Royal Navy in 1946. not equipped with a marine radio. Now we
vice record that was written in pencil would, Every Sunday morning, he would tune have things like Digital Selective Calling
no doubt, have been rubbed out. around his valve receiver, listening to ships, (DSC) for MF/HF and VHF, the Automatic
My grandfather spent his working life aircraft, amateurs and broadcast sta- Identiication System (AIS), and satellite
in shipbuilding, including working on the tions; and on New Year’s Eve every year, he communications.
Titanic. My earlier ancestors on that side would switch the receiver on and listen to
of the family, as far back as 1800, were all the international broadcast stations wel- Vessel Identification
mariners, with some having become Master coming in the New Year, as it progressed Prior to the days of AIS, it was almost im-
Mariners. Fig. 1 shows the Master Mariner’s around the world. possible, even with my 60x20 binoculars, to
Certiicate earned by my great-great-grand- Since my teenage years, when I followed make out the names of vessels anchored
father, back in the days of sailing ships in his footsteps into this hobby, there have offshore, waiting for a berth at one of our
when navigation was carried out by sex- been many changes in marine communi- two local ports, or of the super-tankers an-
tant and compass. cations and navigation safety. For exam- choring further out to sea to transfer their
ple, in those early days, MF/HF marine load to smaller tankers. I, like many other
Short Wave Beginnings communications were mainly carried out locals interested in shipping, always won-
With that sort of pedigree, I can under- using CW or double-sideband voice trans- dered about the name of any ship, its size,
stand where my interest in the seas and missions. Regarding marine VHF, the sets and where it had come from.
ships stems from. used crystals for channelisation and were When AIS did become available, this
My fascination for all things radio most only itted with the channels required, with opened up the opportunity to have these
likely developed from my father who contin- a total of just 28 channels available. Small questions answered, by using COAA’ s

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20 RadioUser April 2019
 Maritime Matters

ShipPlotter software and a suitable receiv- mercial vessels – even small ishing ves- that may be downloaded free from this URL:
er. In my case, I used a Yupiteru MVT600 sels and yachts. https://tinyurl.com/y28zzvme
scanner, with a tap taken from the inter- I often see complaints from passengers You may also consult the oficial
nal discriminator chip. Occasionally, I will of cruise ships and ferries who state that Admiralty List of Radio Signals. Check out
still use that setup today. However, my pre- internet data is very slow. What many fail ALRS Vol 5: Global Maritime Distress and
ferred method of monitoring local shipping to realise is that their internet connection is Safety System (GMDSS) here:
is by using one of the various websites that not like broadband at home or work, which https://tinyurl.com/y3u5cpmw
have sprung up over the years. My prefer- is fed through the telephone networks. The equipment for an Inmarsat C termi-
ence is Vesselinder.com. I also have the Internet on ships is provided via satellite. nal comprises of a small, omnidirectional,
app for it installed on my smartphone, al- Satellites are very expensive pieces of antenna, a compact transceiver, a messag-
lowing me to quickly check local shipping technology to replace, not just with regard ing unit and – if it is GMDSS-compliant or
without having to power up my main com- to their development and construction has a distress function – a dedicated dis-
puter. While much of the trafic is routine costs, but also pertaining to the cost in- tress button. This is held down for ive sec-
commercial trafic, some surprises do pop volved with launching satellites into Earth onds, in order to activate a distress alert.
up from time to time. orbit. Therefore, satellites are planned to Inmarsat Mini C terminals are the small-
be operational for a number of years. As est models available, and some incorporate
A Variety of Communications they are substituted, newer technology, in- the antenna and transceiver in the same
When we think of maritime communi- creased bandwidth, and faster data transfer unit. Some models support the same com-
cations, we tend to think of MF, HF, and speeds all become available. munication services as Inmarsat C termi-
VHF frequencies, used for voice, Digital Due to the very high costs involved with nals. The Inmarsat C system uses frequen-
Selective Calling (DSC), Narrow Band Direct satellites, it would seem to the ordinary cies between 1626.5 and 1646.5MHz for
Printing (NBDP), Navtex, Radiofax, and public that development is slow. With a transmitting, and 1525.0 to 1545.0MHz
Radio Teletype (RTTY for weather data) land-based system, you can easily send for receiving. A 20kHz channel spacing is
communications. While these remain the maintenance crew down a tunnel, into used throughout. Broadband speeds range
principal form of communications in sea an exchange or up a mobile phone mast from 125 to 432kbps, depending on which
areas A1 and A2, in areas A3 and A4, satel- to carry out upgrades to equipment. As maritime package is required. Inmarsat
lites play an essential role. Satellite com- yet, we have not yet reached the point in owns and operates 13 satellites, each with
munications systems provide not only space travel where we could send an en- an anticipated life-span of 15 years in geo-
Maritime Safety Information (MSI) as part gineer to upgrade a satellite. I am sure stationary orbit to provide world coverage
of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety that day will come. for its services.
System (GMDSS) but also data exchang- In the meantime, it is a case of ‘making
es between vessels and their owners or do’ until scheduled satellite replacement. Maritime Incidents
agents, along with internet and telephone While preparing this column, I became
services for passengers and crew. The Inmarsat C SafetyNet aware of a couple of maritime incidents.
Satellite communications may also be Apart from the internet and telephones One such event involved an elderly gen-
used in the other sea areas for this purpose. available for ships’ crews, probably the tleman living ‘off-grid’ in a remote area of
However, for vessels operating in Sea Areas most important feature of marine satellite Scotland. His only direct communications
A3 and A4, the provision of satellite com- communication systems is the Inmarsat C link with the outside world was a Personal
munications is essential. SafetyNet system. It provides MSI naviga- Locator Beacon (PLB), from which a check
Under Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) regu- tion warnings, weather information, SAR signal was transmitted on a weekly basis
lations for GMDSS, vessels operating solely (Search and Rescue) details and other to let it be known that he had no problems.
in Sea Area A1 must carry VHF radio equip- urgent, safety-related, information on a However, he had become quite seriously ill
ment – along with either a UHF or satellite worldwide basis. and activated the emergency signal of his
EPIRB distress beacon – as a minimum set- The system offers worldwide cover, PLB. This was received in a control cen-
up. For Sea Area A2, the minimum require- apart from the Northern and Southern po- tre in Houston, Texas which immediately
ment is the same as in Sea Area A1, along lar regions. Coverage is divided into sever- relayed the distress information to the UK
with the need for the provision of MF radio al areas. These are Atlantic Ocean Region Coastguard. They tasked a rescue helicop-
equipment and satellite EPIRB. The mini- East (AOR-E), Atlantic Ocean Region West ter to his location. This was surrounded by
mum requirements for Sea Areas A3 and (AOR-W), Paciic Ocean Region (POR), and trees, making winching impossible. The lo-
A4 are as per Sea Area A2, with the extra Indian Ocean Region (IOR). cal mountain rescue team was, therefore,
obligation to carry HF or satellite communi- GMDSS navigation and weather infor- also tasked to transfer the man to a suit-
cation equipment. mation provided by SafetyNet is co-or- able clearing, to be airlifted to hospital.
In addition to this, all ships must, of dinated by the countries responsible for The other incident that caught my at-
course, carry equipment for receiving each Met area, as in the case of land- tention could probably be described as a
MSI broadcasts. based GMDSS data. ‘close encounter of the naval kind’. In late
The list in Table 1 shows a (simpliied) January, the Marine Accident Investigation
Inmarsat Satellites schedule for SafetyNet navigation and Branch (MAIB) announced that it has be-
Maritime satellite communications are weather data transmission, along with the gun looking into a close encounter between
provided by several companies. However, satellite region used. For more detailed in- a ro-ro passenger ferry crossing between
Inmarsat is probably the market leader. formation on Inmarsat SafetyNet, please Belfast and Cairnryan in Scotland and a
Its systems cater for all types of com- see the Inmarsat SafetyNet Users Handbook naval submarine operating at periscope

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RadioUser April 2019 21
 Maritime Matters

depth. Little information on this incident and the submarine. ried out missions too. A few years ago, Air
has been released into the public domain https://tinyurl.com/y7pwdoqc Corps helicopters assisted RAF helicopters
– other than that it happened in November in dropping food, essential medical sup-
and is the subject of an MAIB investigation. Brexit and the Irish Coast Guard plies and animal fodder to remote proper-
Encounters between surface vessels and With regard to Brexit, and in particular the ties that had been cut off by heavy snow.
submerged naval submarines operating in current debates regarding the Irish border Last year, they also assisted the Northern
the Irish Sea do occur from time to time. issue post-Brexit, I was recently asked if I Fire and Rescue Service, by water bombing
Normally, incidents involve a submarine thought it would have any effect on the cur- mountain ires that were threatening prop-
caught in a trawler’s ishing nets, and the rent use of Irish Coast Guard rescue heli- erty in areas the ire service was having dif-
ishing vessels being towed backwards un- copters for marine and mountain rescues iculty accessing.
til its crew cut the nets free from the trawler in Northern Ireland. At present, Irish Coast https://tinyurl.com/y4ofhkv2
to save it from sinking. Guard helicopters based at Dublin and Sligo https://www.nifrs.org
Following an incident from a couple of perform the majority of Northern Ireland From my regular monitoring of ma-
years ago, operating practices for NATO rescue taskings. Irrespective of the inal rine AIS, one thing that I have noticed is a
submarines in the Irish Sea were changed, outcome regarding Brexit and the Irish bor- marked increase of vessels discharging at
to reduce the risk of future incidents. Until der issue, I would expect that there will be our two local commercial ports, particularly
more details are released, regarding the no changes to current procedures. This is bulk carriers, and then anchoring back out
latest incident with the passenger ferry, it because search and rescue resources from at sea, to await further orders. I don’t know
would seem something went wrong with adjacent countries may be requested under whether this is an indication of a general
the safety procedures for submerged sub- international agreements, rather than EU downturn in the shipping industry, or wheth-
marines and surface vessels. The fact treaties. In recent times, not only have Irish er it is connected to the current uncertainty
that the MAIB launched an investigation Coast Guard helicopters carried out task- regarding Brexit.
would seem to indicate that there was a ings in Northern Ireland but also, on several [see also our new Emergency Comms col-
potential collision risk between the ferry occasions, Irish Air Corps helicopters car- umn in this issue - Ed.].

Nav/Met area Co-ordinator / (Area) Nav times UTC Satellite Region Met times UTC Satellite Region
I UK 0530 & 1730 AOR-E 0930 & 2130 AOR-E
II France 1630 AOR-E 0900 & 2100 AOR-E & AOR-W
III Spain 1200 & 2400 AOR-E ***** *****
Greece ****** ***** 1000 & 2200 AOR-E
IV USA 1000 & 2200 AOR-E & AOR-W 0430, 1030, 1630, 2230 AOE-W
V Brazil 0030 & 1230 AOR-E 0730 & 1930 AOR-E
VI Argentina 0200 & 1400 AOE-W 0230 & 1730 AOE-W
VI South Africa 1940 AOR-E & IOR 0940 & 1940 AOR-E/ IOR
(La Réunion) 0040 &1240 IOR ***** *****
(Kerguelen Islands) 0140 & 1340 IOR ***** *****
(Mayotte) 0330 & 1530 IOR ***** *****
VIII India 1000 IOR 0900 & 1800 IOR
(Réunion) 0040 &1240 IOR 0130 & 1330 IOR
(Mayotte) 0330 & 1530 IOR 0130 & 1330 IOR
IX Pakistan 0900 IOR 0700 IOR
X Australia 0700 & 1900 POR 1030 & 2330 IOR
***** ***** ***** 1100 & 2300 POR
X1 Japan 0005, 0805, 1205 IOR/POR 0230, 0830, 1430, 2030 IOR/POR
***** ***** ***** 0815 & 2015 south of 0 degrees IOR/POR
XII USA 1030 & 2230 AOR-W/POR 0515, 1145, 1745, 2345 AOR-W/POR
xiii Russia 0930 & 2130 POR 0930 & 2130 POR
XIV New Zealand ***** ***** 0330, 0930, 1590, 2130 POR
(Nouvelle Calédonie) 0140 & 1340 POR ***** *****
(Wallis & Fortuna) 0030 & 1230 POR ***** *****
(Polynésie Française) 0250 & 1450 POR ***** *****
XV Chile 0210 & 1410 AOR-W 0100, 1330, 1440, 1845 AOR-W
XVI Peru 0519, 1119, 1719, 2319, AOR-W ***** *****
USA ***** ***** 0515, 1115, 1715, 2315 AOR-W
XVII Canada 1130 & 2300 POR 1130 & 2300 POR
XVIII Canada 1100 & 2300 AOR-W 1100 & 2300 AOR-W
XIX Norway 0630 & 1830 AOR-E 0630 & 1830 AOR-E
XX Russia 0530 & 1730 IOR 0530 & 1730 IOR
XXI Russia 0630 & 1830 POR 0630 & 1830 POR

Table 1: Inmarsat C SafetyNet schedule for SafetyNet Navigation and Weather Data Transmissions.

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22 RadioUser April 2019
 NDB DXing

NDB Monitoring
in 2019
In spite of ongoing aerial issues, Robert Connolly offers his first overview for
this year of the Non-Directional Beacon (NDB) observation scene and achieves
unexpectedly impressive results with some vintage equipment.

Robert Connolly far as 372kHz and there was OZN from suitable mounting location. The favoured
[email protected] Greenland thumping in. The image in Fig. location was a galvanised steel clothesline
1 shows the North Atlantic pressure chart pole, embedded in concrete underneath a

I
always look forward to the onset for that session. I used the Lokata with layer of grass and soil.
of the winter NDB DX season. The its internal ferrite rod aerial and a set of The plan was to use it as a strong ibre-
longer hours of darkness, combined headphones; the unit does not have a built- glass pole for the mini-whip, with the lat-
with greatly reduced natural noise in speaker. This was basically a case of ter secured to the clothesline pole and four
levels caused by thunder crashes ‘going back to basics’, using, essentially, a securing lines of ishing net repair twine to
and so on, normally allow for interesting portable receiver. stabilise it in strong winds. However, when
nights of DX, and then, of course, there The thing to remember, when using it came to testing, I found that frequencies
is the potential for receiving NDBs from equipment with its internal ferrite rod aerial, below 1MHz suffered from severe noise.
across the Atlantic. is that it is directional, so to ensure you However, the frequencies above this were
Unfortunately for me, I have missed a are not missing any signals, the receiver working quite well. At the time of writ-
large chunk of the season, due to technical needs to be slowly swung through 180 ing this column in early January 2019, it is
problems. My main aerial, a Datong AD370 degrees on every frequency, and this is a still work in progress although I now have
active antenna, suffered severe damage little time-consuming. Although the Lokata 518kHz Navtex reception back online.
during a late autumn storm that not only will tune up to 450kHz, I stopped short, as Having had such success during my mid-
damaged the head unit case but also my ingers had become so cold (note to December 2018 night-time ‘DX expedition’
allowed a substantial amount of rainwater self: In addition to a warm coat and hat, into my garden using the Lokata, I decided
to gather inside. I am trying to restore also use gloves)! at the beginning of January 2019, to wrap
that aerial to its former glory. However, One thing I discovered when using the up, put on the gloves and have another
despite having changed a number of key Lokata 7 was the source of interference outdoor session with the Lokata. Again,
components, it is still out of action. that has been wiping out a large section I was in for a surprise: Not only was OZN
Regular readers will recall from my last of the band for a considerable time but thumping in on the handheld once again,
columns that I had installed an IP33 mini- disappeared about 1130pm. I thought it but I also logged two beacons for the irst
whip on the mast that the Datong was was a neighbour’s television but being time: 335.0kHz TON Torralba, from Spain
mounted on; unfortunately, it has been outside with the Lokata in the dark I found and 343kHz Aurillac, from France. I also
suffering from severe noise across the that frequencies from 325 to 415 kHz pulled in several beacons from Europe.
NDB band, leaving it unable to receive local were totally wiped out, and, at the time Fig. 2 shows the pressure chart for
strong beacons, let alone any DX. the QRM stopped, I discovered that it was Europe at the time of that session. I was
being caused by a sodium lood-light that amazed: After more than 20 years chas-
Lokata to the Rescue the house behind me has mounted on the ing NDBs with a decent aerial and receiver, I
However, all was not lost, I still had my front of their garage to illuminate their stepped out into the garden with, what is es-
handheld Radio Direction Finder (RDF) driveway. It would seem that this light is sentially a basic handheld and I pull in two
receivers. Late one evening in mid- on a timer, hence the 1130 pm light and new beacons for the irst time!
December 2018, I took the Lokata 7 RDF instant interference switch off (see also my Another interesting catch was 375.0kHz
outside to see what beacons I could pick Maritime Matters column in this issue). VM Vestman Aeyjar (Iceland). This is nor-
up with it. I was quite surprised when mally a rare signal here on my main equip-
– apart from the regular daylight-NDBs Noise Levels and Mounting ment. It now makes me wonder if I should
it receives here – I could clearly hear Locations actually forget about getting my main
several Norwegian beacons along with a Using the handheld RDF was also equipment back online and just concentrate
few from France. advantageous, in that I was able to check on using the Lokata RDF.
However, my biggest surprise came the garden to determine a location of lower At least, if my main antenna is working
around midnight, when I had tuned up as noise levels for the mini-whip, but with a properly, I can DX beacons in comfort.

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RadioUser April 2019 23
NDB DXing

ROBERT CONNOLLY

Fig.1: North Atlantic pressure chart for my irst

monitoring session (Mid-December 2018).
Fig. 2: Pressure chart for Europe at the time of my
second monitoring session (January 2019).

Simple Equipment and Logs

My logs for this column are based on re-
ception using the handheld Lokata 7 RDF
receiver, and I hope that this will provide
those of you who either do not have ‘state-
of-the-art’ antennas or have, perhaps, just
decided to have a go at NDB DXing, some
incentive to try using basic equipment; the
results can be quite surprising, especially
during the hours of darkness.
If you are using basic equipment for NDB
reception, it is best to do this outdoors, and
as far away from domestic noise sources
as your garden will allow. Also, please re-
member that it is winter, so you will need
to wrap up warm, as it can take a cou-
ple of hours to scan the complete NDB
band. I would also suggest using a torch
or, better still, one of those lights that can
be strapped to your head, so that you can
write down your logs and tune frequency
if your receiver does not have a backlit fre- 1
quency display. ROBERT CONNOLLY

In many ways, using basic equipment for

NDB DXing is actually more rewarding, es-
pecially when you do catch some DX bea-
cons. My old Sangean ATS803A was an
excellent receiver for this type of listening
until it met its sad demise when it acciden-
tally fell from the top of the fridge-freezer
onto a tiled loor. Unfortunately, the Tecsun
PL660 I purchased to replace it, is quite
deaf on NDB frequencies, hence the use
of one of my RDF receivers. One bonus of
using a dedicated RDF receiver is that you
can null the beacon signal out and take a
bearing on it.
This is useful if you receive an uniden-
tiied NDB signal; it will narrow down the
search area for its location. However, it is
also interesting to take a bearing on any sig-
nal, just to conirm that it is what you think it
is. Andy Thomsett kindly sent me a screen-
shot of SDR# (Fig. 3), showing packed
activity in the NDB band at 0214 UTC on
January 1st, 2019. As I indicated earli-
er in this column, and elsewhere, interfer-
ence is often a major problem when trying
to DX weak NDBs.
Tony Stickells, who was suffering from 2
QRM that prevented him from submitting
a log for my last column, tells me that he er, he still had some fun. we face when DXing NDBs.
received some interesting signals but was It can often be a case of trying to work For an extremely comprehensive listing of
still experiencing RFI problems. Like many around interference, particularly if it is not the beacons that Robert has logged this
of us, Tony has found that the Christmas coming from within your own property. quarter, please visit our website, at
lights swamped the bands this year; howev- Just another of a number of challenges https://goo.gl/AQCFKP

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24 RadioUser April 2019
 NDB DXing

ANDY THOMSETT

Fig. 3: SDR# screenshot by Andy Thomsett, evidencing plenty of activity in the NDB band at 0214 UTC on January 1st, 2019.

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Emerging Issues in Radio

Radio: Dialogue,
Tolerance and Peace
Chrissy Brand reports from one of many events held around the globe
for UNESCO World Radio Day 2019. She also investigates some new and
innovative podcasts you might want to listen to.
1

Chrissy Brand tries often provide lifelines (Fig. 2). With the a jingle, how to make podcasts, hosting a
[email protected] spread of smartphone technology, individ- talk show, promoting radio on social media
uals can listen to their stations of choice, and – to my mind somewhat controversially

T
he annual UNESCO World Radio whenever and wherever they wish. – DAB+ and freedom of expression.
Day, each February 13th, is a Once upon a time in developing coun-
reminder for us that, in many tries, there may have been just one ana- SOAS, So Good
parts of the world, radio is far logue radio in a village. People would gather Once again, I attended the University of
more than a mere entertainment round to hear news broadcasts and infor- London SOAS World Radio Day event.
and weather service. Radio can empower, mation. It would often be the village elder Kudos is due to SOAS Radio (Fig. 1) for
and even save, lives, especially in places who would decide which station that radio consistently putting on thought-provok-
prone to natural disasters, social unrest, was tuned into, which in turn could give an ing presentations and workshops to cel-
major inequalities or war. entire village only one point of view. ebrate WRD. I have reported on these
Radio station directors and leaders in The annual UNESCO World Radio Day since 2015 when the theme was Youth and
the western world fret over advertising rev- theme this year is Dialogue, Tolerance and Radio. Last year it was Radio and Sports
enues and how to engage with audiences Peace. At UNESCO House on Avenue de (RadioUser, May 2015: 42 and RadioUser,
in new and innovative ways. However, out- Suffren in Paris, an event full of interesting April 2018: 53-55)
side of that particular cosy western world workshops was held. These covered tips on https://soasradio.org
bubble, radio stations in developing coun- writing for radio, sound recording, recording This time, SOAS joined forces with the

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26 RadioUser April 2019
 Emerging Issues in Radio

ALL PICTURES: CHRISSY BRAND, EXCEPT FIG. 2: UNESCO WORLD RADIO DAY

Communication for Development Network. tivity or while carrying out other tasks, both
The day featured interviews with organ- of these being further examples of radio’s
isations around dialogue, tolerance and strengths. There are currently one state-run,
peace (Fig. 4). 60 commercial and 184 community radio
These bodies included PositiveNegatives, stations in Niger.
who produce literary educational comics, Although there are fundamental differ-
animations and podcasts about contempo- ences between Niger and the UK, the coun-
rary social and human rights issues, using tries are not as far apart when it comes to
multimedia, illustrations and narratives. media freedom as one might think. Niger
One Day Seyoum was also there, a group is ranked 63rd on the World Press Freedom
ighting for the release of unjustly im- Index, and, while the UK fares better, it is
prisoned people in Eritrea. It was start- still a lowly 41st.
ed in the name of Seyoum Tsehaye, a Emma spoke of how women are essen-
journalist imprisoned, since 2001, by his tial in society for peace-building, and how
niece in Sweden. they need to be well-informed, in order to
Max Graef of RadioActive was also inter- pass on knowledge and empowerment,
viewed. He has spent over a decade install- gained from informative and education-
ing equipment and training staff at commu- al radio content.
nity radio stations around the world. Max The question of how radio is improving
designs and installs FM radio stations and women’s roles in Nigerian society was also
recording studios. He also delivers work- addressed by the project, Studio Kalangou 3

shops in radio production, radio drama, sta- in Niger was set up by Fondation Hirondelle Fig. 1: World music and global perspectives
tion management and engineering. (Media for Peace and Human Dignity). It online, on SOAS Radio. Fig. 2: Smartphones
http://positivenegatives.org makes programmes centrally, and these enable more people to personally choose what
http://onedayseyoum.com are fed out to stations across the coun- radio station to hear. Fig. 3: Professor Ivor Gaber
https://radioactive.org.uk try, where vox pops and regional news addressing the role of radio in post-conflict
Dr Emma Heywood (a Lecturer in are added. There have been two success- environments.
Journalism, Politics and Communication ful series on Women and Elections and
at the University of Shefield) gave an in- Women and Children. the programme outputs has shown that
sightful talk on assessing the impact of Another project comes from the organi- – although women are portrayed active-
radio and women’s empowerment in Niger sation International Media Support. It brings ly on radio broadcasts – men are always
(Fig. 5). This was part of a project called together listening groups in the region be- given more time to speak. This is an issue
FemmePowermentAfrique. tween Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso. The to be addressed, although this is, indeed,
www.femmepowermentafrique.com project has successfully enabled women’s still a prevalent problem on the airwaves in
Emma emphasised how radio is a key associations to help change behaviours, by most countries.
medium because it transcends any prob- training them how to interact with experts, Emma is part of a team presenting ind-
lems around literacy that might prevent showing them how to work with radio sta- ings and updates on the project at the EU
people from accessing newspapers or tions to broadcast more relevant informa- and the UN Commission on the Status of
books. People can sit together and listen tion. One positive outcome of this has been Women this spring.
to the radio as a communal, interactive, ac- a reduction in FGM. Analysis of some of Clearing the Air: The Role of the Radio in

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RadioUser April 2019 27
Emerging Issues in Radio

Fig. 4: SOAS Radio recording in the Students’

Union for World Radio Day. Fig. 5: Dr Emma
Heywood assesses the impact of radio in the
empowerment of women.

Conlict and Post-Conlict Environments

was a talk presented by Professor Ivor
Gaber (Political Journalism, University of
Sussex and a freelance broadcaster and
journalist). He emphasised the importance
of World Radio Day, particularly in sub-Saha-
ran Africa, where radio is still the most com-
mon form of media, although social media
is fast catching up (Fig. 3).
Ivor spoke of his work in Malawi, Nigeria
and Uganda, where he helped train journal-
ists at private and community radio sta-
tions. His approach is an eminently sensi-
ble one of sharing experiences, rather than
telling the journalists what they should do.
There were one hundred journalists in
Nigeria who had been trained to report on
elections two years ago. They said that the
biggest issues they faced were the threats
to their personal safety from political par-
ty thugs, soldiers and the police (and not
from Boko Haram). 4

Ivor raised the question of whether a

Western-style political culture is best for A recent newcomer is Radio GDR -
Africa and admitted he does not have the East Germany Podcast. This is an inno-
answer. He cited the example of Singapore vative approach to history. Thirty years
which has state-controlled media but is ago, in the last days of short wave stal-
seen to function as a multi-party democra- wart Radio Berlin International, who would
cy. Turkey, on the other hand, was the oppo- have thought such technological advanc-
site. It used to have a lively press and media es would come to pass? The background
opposition and now suffers from an auto- information states that, “Life in the former
cratic government. East Germany holds an ongoing fascination
For the UK, Ivor raised the question of for many people. Join us as we learn more
how we can make decisions on which parts about the former East Germany. Photos,
of the media to trust, citing mainstream me- news items, podcast reports, blog posts and
dia examples like the Daily Mail and BBC more! We discuss life in and share photos
as not being reliable sources. However, and news of the former German Democratic
despite his criticism of the BBC, he con- Republic. This is a historical site and does
ceded that it is largely independent of not support the former GDR […] Radio GDR
the government. is hosted and produced by Rostock native
Anke Holst and Brit Shane Whaley.” 5
Planet Podcast http://radiogdr.com
The Google podcast app, which launched The History of Germany podcast might
in 2018, has been a game-changer for also be of interest. It commenced in Radio Events
Android users, and this includes me. I have the summer of 2014 and covered East PUBLIC RADIO ENGINEERS
used many podcast apps on my netbook, Germany in Episode 28. CONFERENCE, LAS VEGAS, April 4th to 6th
laptop, tablet and smartphone. It’s a case https://tinyurl.com/y6fagekx www.apre.us
of inding the one you feel is the most user- The Deca Tapes is an eight-part mystery BRITISH PODCAST AWARDS,
LONDON, May 18th
friendly. The Podcast Insights Review from podcast that is released this spring, while
www.britishpodcastawards.com
this URL might help. Your Three Stories is, according to the write-
RADIODAYS EUROPE PODCAST DAY,
https://tinyurl.com/yxnsdj6o up available, a “Comedic audio drama. A
LONDON, June 13th
Podcast apps allow you to ind fascinat- mysterious host guides you through a series www.radiodayseuropepodcastday.com
ing audio. Discussion, news on topics that of short radio plays that are connected by a
WORLDDAB AUTOMOTIVE 2019, TURIN,
the mainstream media ignore, drama, com- strange theme.” ITALY, June 20th
edy, music – it’s all there. History is well www.thedecatapes.com www.worlddab.org
represented too. https://yourthreestories.com

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28 RadioUser April 2019
CALL FOR AUTHORS
Would you like to join the RadioUser writing pool?
MORE RALLIES & EVENTS! The editor is looking for fresh new writing talent for
the second half of 2019, and into 2020. All areas of
the radio hobby will be considered. However, we have
a particular interest in authors who may be able to
March 2019 £4.50 www.radioenthusiast.co.uk
CLUB PROFILES: The Radio Amateur make contributions in the following areas:
Old Timers’ Association & the BATC
● Early Radio History: The Pioneers
Telo ● Radio Astronomy

TE590 ● Scientific and More ‘Unusual’ Applications of Radio

● Radio Clubs and Associations
Review
We take a look at this
If you are interested in joining a lively group of
new network radio writers, please contact the editor at the e-mail
Radio in History address given. Previous publications and research
The Volksempfänger’s
role in Nazi radio experience are an advantage but not a pre-requisite.
propaganda
Georg Wiessala [email protected]
Frequency Listings Review:
ISSN 1748-8117

Your Guides to the Bands

Active Aerials
Open-Source Software and SDR

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Exhibition Manager: Dave Wilson, M0OBW T: 01270 761608 / 07720 656542 E: [email protected]
Emergency Comms

COSPAS – SARSAT
Emergency Communications
Tim Kirby G4VXE
[email protected] COSPAS-SARSAT System Overview
Our Scanning Scene Columnist,
Tim Kirby, offers the first instal- Search & Rescue
ment in a new RadioUser section. 2
Satellites
In it, he introduces us to Emergency
Communications in the UK, beginning Local User
with the COSPAS-SARSAT system. 3 Terminal

A few months ago, I was walking around the

Science Museum in London, and I spotted the
‘Apollo Survival Radio’ by the Lunar Module
exhibit. That led to an interesting discussion
on Twitter about how the radios were planned 1 4
to be used, and I included some details in my Mission Control
Distress Call
Scanning Scene column at the time. Centre
utilising
That, in turn, led to a chat with our editor
Emergency
along the lines of “Tim, you could write some-
Beacon
thing about Emergency Communications,
couldn’t you?” So, here we are.

Introduction 5
In this irst part of our short series on Rescue
Emergency Communications, I want to Coordination
look at the Emergency Position Indicating 1

Radio Beacon (EPIRB for short), Emergency

Locator Transmitter (ELT) and Personal September 1982. And Finally, there are Rescue Co-ordination
Locator Beacons (PLB). These all trans- The system uses a network of satellites, Centres (MCC), which call on the required
mit on 406MHz, and they are triggered, which covers the whole of the Earth’s sur- agencies, for example, the Coastguard, to
often automatically, in a distress situa- face. Any alerts detected by the satellites are provide an appropriate rescue response to
tion. The beacons’ signals are detected by forwarded to over 200 countries, without any the emergency in question.
satellites, monitored by an international cost to the owners of the beacons or to the
consortium of rescue services, known as receiving government agencies. The system The Beacons
‘COSPAS-SARSAT’. has several distinct components: The EPIRB (Fig. 2), ELT and PLB beacons
COSPAS stands for COsmicheskaya First, the distress beacons (EPIRBs, ELTs are all digital radio transmitters on 406MHz
Systyema Poiska Aariynyich Sudov and PLBs) themselves, which are to be acti- (406.025 or 406.028MHz). Beacons are
(Космическая Система Поиска vated in a life-threatening situation. manufactured by a variety of vendors world-
Аарийныч Судов). Second, the Search and Rescue Repeaters wide. ELT systems are meant to be used in
This, I am reliably informed translates (SARR) and the Search and Rescue Signal aircraft. EPIRBs (Fig. 2) are designed to be
loosely to The Space System for the Search of Processors (SARP), which are carried on used aboard a marine vessel and inally, the
Vessels in Distress. board satellites. PLB is designed to be carried by an individu-
SARSAT – perhaps more predictably Third, the Satellite downlink receivers at al. Sometimes, PLBs are carried aboard air-
– stands for ‘Search and Rescue Satellite- ground stations. These process the received craft or vessels. However, depending on local
Aided Tracking’. signals and they are known as Local User regulations, this may or may not satisfy regu-
Terminals (LUTs). latory requirements.
COSPAS-SARSAT Forth, the Mission Control Centres, which Any of the beacon types does not trans-
COSPAS-SARSAT is an international organi- distribute the received information to Rescue mit until activated in an emergency. There
sation, deined by treaty and organised as a Co-ordination Centres – most importantly the are, however, facilities which allow the bea-
non-proit, intergovernmental and humanitar- position data received from beacons. cons to be tested. Some beacons have to
ian body of 44 nations and agencies (Fig. 1). At the end of 2018, there were 34 Mission be activated manually by the user, where-
It was established in 1988, following a prior Control Centres in operation, with three as an ELT might be automatically activated
agreement of 1984 and, prior to this, after the more under development. The UKMCC is at by the shock of an aircraft crash. An EPIRB
irst rescue using the technology occurred in Fareham in Hampshire. may also be automatically activated by con-

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30 RadioUser April 2019
 Emergency Comms

DAVID RYAN

Fig.1: An overview of the COSPAS-SARSAT

system. Fig. 2: An EPIRB mounted on a
hydrostatic release.

may not be over a particular geographic lo-

cation. Therefore, a distress beacon may be
undetected until the next satellite comes into
range; there will then be a delay in relaying
the distress signal back to the ground.
Because this may not happen in real-time,
LEOSAR spacecraft have ‘store-and-for-
ward’ functionality. This ensures that a sig-
nal detected when the spacecraft is out of
range of a ground station can be success-
fully retransmitted, once the ground station
comes into the footprint of the LEOSAR.
The ive satellites of this type orbit around
every 100 minutes.
Even if the distress beacon is not trans-
mitting a GPS position, it is possible for the
ground stations receiving the signal from
the LEOSAR to determine the bearing and
range of the beacon, with respect to the sat-
ellite. This is done by means of calculations
of the Doppler shift of the signal (at a known
frequency), as the satellite passes over the
beacon. Range and bearing are measured
from the rate of change of the received fre-
quency. This will vary, according to where the
satellite is along its orbit, and due to the rota-
tion of the Earth.
If the frequency of the beacon is vary-
2 ing rapidly, this suggests that the satellite
is nearly overhead the beacon’s position. If
tact with water. as LEOSARs. Six more satellites are to be you’ve ever tried to track a satellite’s signals,
EPIRBs are divided into two categories: found in geostationary Earth orbits; they are you’ll know that, on overhead passes, as the
Category 1 EPIRBs can be activated either called GEOSARs. And more than 30 satellites satellite climbs high in the sky above you,
manually or automatically. Automatic activa- are located in a medium-altitude Earth orbit; the Doppler shift of the signal is very rapid in-
tion takes place when the EPIRB is released these are known as MEOSARs. deed. You could try with one of the amateur
from its bracket, which will be equipped The SARR or SARP are always secondary satellites or an NOAA weather satellite on
with a hydrostatic release. The mechanism payloads on the satellite – for example, the 137MHz if you fancy a practical experiment.
releases the EPIRB in a water depth of be- geostationary satellites’ primary mission is In fact, the NOAA weather satellites form part
tween 1 and 3m. The EPIRB is buoyant, loats likely to be meteorological. This is also true of the COSPAS-SARSAT system, so it will be
to the surface and starts transmitting its for LEOSAR satellites an authentic test!
message. It is important that the EPIRB is The primary mission of the MEOSAR satel-
mounted somewhere that it can loat free of a lites is navigation. The SARR, when it receives GEOSAR Satellites
sinking vessel. a distress signal from a beacon, will retrans- Because these satellites are in geostation-
Category 2 EPIRBs (Figs. 3 to 5) have to be mit it to a ground station in real-time. The ary orbit, this means, of course, that they are
manually activated, so they do need to be ac- SARP will record the data from the distress turning at the same speed as the earth – so
cessible, in the event of an emergency. signal for later re-transmission, in the event there is no relative motion between the dis-
COSPAS-SARSAT do not levy subscriptions that the satellite is not in range of a ground tress beacon and the satellite, and thus no
for use of the service, although some coun- station when it receives the distress signal. doppler shift. The GEOSAR satellites can only
tries charge licence fees for beacon owner- relay the message received from the distress
ship – and some may charge for the cost of LEOSAR Satellites beacon, rather than augment the message
rescue operations. When the COSPAS-SARSAT system was irst with any positional information. However, if
launched, it comprised solely of Low-Earth- the beacon’s data payload includes a GPS po-
The Space Segment Orbit satellites. Although the orbits of the se- sition then, of course, this can be relayed di-
The part of the system in Space consists of ries of satellites were arranged to cover the rectly to the SAR agencies.
SARR and SARP components on board the entire surface of the globe (because each The existing constellation (series) of
host satellite. There are ive satellites in (po- satellite has a relatively low orbit), there will GEOSARs covers all area of the Earth.
lar) low-altitude Earth orbits; these are known be periods of time when a LEOSAR satellite Therefore, as soon as a distress beacon

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RadioUser April 2019 31
Emergency Comms

DAVID RYAN

is activated, it should be detected by one

of these satellites (with the exception of
the polar regions, which are out of range
of the GEOSARs).

MEOSAR Satellites
These satellites are the latest addition to the
COSPAS-SARSAT system. They combine the
advantages of the LEOSAR (ability to detect
the beacon position from Doppler shift) and
GEOSAR (coverage). It is planned that there
will be over 70 of the MEOSAR satellites –
which will form the majority of the space seg-
ment of the COSPAS-SARSAT system.
MEOSAR satellites will consist of SARR
transponders as secondary payloads on a
variety of navigation satellite constellations,
including Galileo, GLONASS, BEIDOU and,
of course, GPS. The location of a distress
beacon can be calculated by the ground sta-
tion, by analysing the Doppler signals with re-
spect to the satellite’s path. This can also be
achieved by measuring the time difference
of arrival of a beacon’s transmission, due to
the distance between the beacon and each
MEOSAR satellite in view.
Data from the MEOSAR satellites started
to be distributed on December 13th, 2016.
However, data from the MEOSAR constella-
tion was used prior to the oficial implemen-
tation of the system. This was done, in order
to establish the location of EgyptAir Flight
804, which crashed in the Mediterranean.
A particularly interesting feature of the
MEOSAR system is that – when using the
Galileo navigation satellites – the MEOSAR
system will be able to download data back
to the distress beacon, using the ‘Return Link
Service’ of the Galileo system. It’s anticipat-
ed that this will be used to conirm that the
distress beacon has been received by the
SAR authorities.
3

Ground Stations
Ground stations monitor the satellites, us- 1982, the satellites monitored the two origi- When COSPAS-SARSAT irst came into be-
ing either satellite dishes or phased arrays. nal types of distress beacons: EPIRBs and ing, satellites monitored the beacon alerts
These Local User Terminals (LUT) are es- ELTs. By the early 2000s, the PLBs became on 406MHz, 121.5 and 243MHz. However, it
tablished by individual national adminis- available for individuals engaged in recrea- was found that both the 121.5 and 243MHz
trations or agencies. Signals received are tional activities beyond the reach of nor- frequencies generated a high number of false
transferred to the appropriate Mission mal telephone systems – or perhaps small alerts (the false alert rate for the 121.5MHz
Control Centre (MCC). aircraft pilots or mariners, where regula- units was an astonishing 97%).
At the end of December 2016, the LEOSAR tions permitted. It became all but impossible to unique-
satellites were tracked and monitored by Before COSPAS-SARSAT came into opera- ly identify such systems. So, in 2009, the
53 LEOLUTs (Low Earth Orbit Local User tion, the civilian aviation community had been COSPAS-SARSAT stopped receiving signals
Terminals), the GEOSAR satellites were using the 121.5MHz frequency for distress, from 121.5 and 243MHz, and just processed
checked by 21 GEOLUTs and the MEOSAR and the military had been using 43MHz (with digital signals on 406MHz.
satellites were watched from 17 MEOLUTs. 121.5MHz as a backup). However, many ELTs do still include a
Initially, ELTs for commercial aircraft were 121.5MHz transmitter, which can be received
Evolution of the built to transmit on 121.5MHz, a frequency by local search crews, using simple direc-
COSPAS-SARSAT System well monitored worldwide. Military beacons tion-inding equipment. Beacon technology
When this system was irst introduced in were built to transmit on 243MHz. has evolved since these transmitters were

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32 RadioUser April 2019
 Emergency Comms

DAVID RYAN DAVID RYAN

Fig.3: Close up of a manually activated EPIRB.

Fig. 4: The activation mechanism of a manually
activated EPIRB. Fig.5: Further detail of a
manually-activated EPIRB.

irst used in 1982. At that time, positional in-

formation was calculated by ground stations
based on Doppler shift calculations. Now,
GPS technology is ubiquitous, and many bea-
cons incorporate GPS receivers.

Registration and Testing

Beacons have to be registered to be used on
the COSPAS-SARSAT system, using a hexa-
decimal identiier, unique to each beacon. In
the event of an alert being received, the au-
thorities can irst try to contact the owner, to
rule out a false alert. Most beacons also pro-
vide a switch allowing for testing. Even a very
short transmission with a beacon in ‘distress’
mode will cause a distress alert to be sent.
Therefore, it is very important that test mode
is engaged when and where appropriate. 5

In the case of EPIRBs automatically acti-

vated on immersion in water, if this happens Intriguingly, the AOR AR-DV10 (RadioUser, EPIRBPlotter is marketed for those wish-
inadvertently, it is important for the beacon’s February 2019: 14-18) has an option for a ing to test their EPIRBs – and there are cau-
owner to contact one of the relevant co-ordi- COSPAS-SARSAT decoder. This decodes the tionary words on the website about doing
nation centres in order to have the distress GPS information from the digital transmis- this and taking up important airtime. More
alert cancelled. sion and also listens on 121.500MHz for any details are here:
The RNLI has a useful page about EPIRB analogue transmission. You can see a very https://www.coaa.co.uk/epirbplotter.htm
and PLBs including details of how to regis- brief video of this in action here: You may also enjoy a video of receiving the
ter your beacon: https://youtu.be/xAlXjd5waC0 1.5GHz transponder of COSPAS-SARSAT sig-
https://tinyurl.com/y32tf3k9 COAA, who produce an interesting range nals, using a simple WorldSpace patch anten-
of software including PlanePlotter and na and an RTL-SDR type receiver. You can see,
Can I Listen to 406MHz ShipPlotter, which readers may be familiar among other things, data bursts from EPIRBs,
Transmissions? with, has a program called EPIRBPlotter. As which are repeated from the 406MHz band:
You can! Of course, the signals are meant to you might expect, this decodes transmis- https://tinyurl.com/y2fzbsu9
be decoded by satellite. Unless you are in an sions from any EPIRBs that you can hear. I hope you have found this initial column in-
elevated position close to the sea, or in a very You need a UHF scanner tuned to 406.025 or teresting – I certainly enjoyed researching the
remote part of the world, it is, perhaps, less 406.0275MHz, with the audio output of the subject! Join me again soon for another as-
likely that you will hear anything. scanner fed into a computer’s soundcard pect of Emergency Communications.

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RadioUser April 2019 33
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DXTV

Noteworthy Satellite, TV and

FM DX Loggings for Q1/2019
Keith Hamer ALL PICTURES: KEITH HAMER + GARRY SMITH ARCHIVE COLLECTION, EXCEPT FIG. 3: ROGER BUNNEY.

[email protected]
Garry Smith
[email protected]

Keith Hamer and Garry Smith offer a

quarterly rundown of long-distance
TV and FM reception and report on
anniversaries, disasters, and other TV-
events that have occurred recently.

Sporadic-E activity in Band I continued

well into September 2018, with ten open-
ings encountered by Gösta van der Linden
(Rotterdam, Netherlands) and Niels van der
Linden (Épinal, France). Captures included
1TV (Russia) on Channels R1 (49.75MHz)
from St. Petersburg (150kW) and R2
(59.25MHz) from Tver (10kW), Россия-1
(Russia) on R1 (Glubokoye 90kW) and R2
(Proletarly 25kW), 2Canal (Moldova) R1
(Cahul 15kW), M1 (Moldova) R2 (Mindrestii 1

Noi 30kW), and 1+1 Ukraine R1 (L’viv

110kW). Russian signals on R1 were re-
ceived by Wesley Colaers in Vancouver
(Canada) from the Vladivostok region
on September 24th and 25th, 2018. On
November 26th, at 0930 UTC, Tom Crane
(Hawkwell) noticed weak images on R1, ten-
tatively logged as Россия-1 from Russia.
From 1530 UTC, on December 19th, Chris
Howles (Lichield) received Russian video on
R1 from Sovestk. The FM band became ac- 2 3

tive between 1700 and 1800 UTC, produc-

ing Austria, Slovenia, Hungary and the Czech
Republic, with the MUF (maximum usable
frequency) reaching 107MHz. Other DXTV
enthusiasts in the UK have received FM sig-
nals from Rumania, Poland and Germany.

Fig.1: Off-screen photo of the Tyne Tees graphics,

aired during the 1950s and 1960s. Fig. 2: The
Tyne Tees clock shown during the black-and- 4 5

white era. Fig. 3: After almost ive years of

transmitting local content from Rowridge on
Channel 54 (2kW), Solent TV closed on May
24th, 2007. Fig. 4: The TV7 (Slovakia) test card
received by Sándor Rottenbacher (Hungary) via
the Hispasat craft at 30° West. Fig. 5: One of
the 16 new BBC-2 Identiication Symbols being
introduced over the coming months. Fig. 6: One
of the new ITV offerings aired for a week during
2019. Fig. 7: One of the three BBC-1 Identiication
Symbols used during Christmas, 2018. 6 7

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36 RadioUser April 2019
 DXTV

By December, the Sporadic-E season in the old DVB-T transmitters have now been tions in 13 areas of the UK. More than 30 lo-
the Southern Hemisphere was well under- taken out of service. The Czech Republic cal stations have been set up since 2013, but
way. On the 15th, Tony Mann (Perth) iden- has also adopted the HEVC standard. In several faced dificulties and struggled for
tiied Indonesian FM signals on 89.2MHz the Netherlands, on October 2nd, 2018, the an audience, after the initial curiosity and in-
and 102.1MHz from East Java, a distance irst two new HEVC transmitters entered terest waned (Fig. 3). Today, some local TV
approaching 3,000km. There have also service at Groningen (D40V 20kW) and stations are resorting to transmitting static
been several 6m contacts between eastern Hoogersmilde (D22V 40kW). Conversion of ‘cam-shots’ of their studios to ill the time be-
Australia and southern South America. the whole network is expected to be complet- tween commercials!
ed by April 2019, but the old DVB-T transmit- In other news, North East Community
Tropospheric TV DX ters will remain on-air until 2020. Radio (NECR), based in Kintore, Scotland,
On September 27th, 2018, Tom Crane closed on August 16th, 2018, blaming
(Hawkwell, Essex) identiied TV multiplex- More Mast Fires the effect of local businesses moving
es from The Netherlands on channel D24H, On Friday August 31st, 2018, there was a ire advertising to the Internet. The radio station
Belgium D56H (RTBF multiplex) and France in the top section of the old KPN communica- was launched in 1994 and covered most of
on D24V, D27V and D36V (Grand Lille TV). tions mast at Breda, Netherlands, which was Aberdeenshire.
French signals were also evident on October being dismantled at the time. Fires have oc-
5th and 21st. Only weak northern French curred at other masts too: In the early hours Satellite News
outlets were detected. The Czech Republic of May 24th, 2014, a serious ire broke out Two German digital bouquets, which
was logged on October 8th by Niels van der at the Wavre transmitter, Belgium, disrupt- were previously only available in Standard
Linden, who received two multiplexes on ing the main, French-speaking, RTBF TV, DAB Deinition (SD), are now also available
D33H (DVB-T2) and D50H (HEVC), both from and FM services. Two hours later, another in parallel using High Deinition (HD).
Ústi nad Labem (100kW ERP). ire damaged the Flemish-speaking VRT ra- Programmes are broadcast via the Astra
dio and television installation at Velten, near satellite at 19.2° East from transponder 39
FM Reception Leuven. The scenarios are eerily similar to on 11.053GHz – with horizontal polarisation,
Whilst parked at the University of Bath on the incidents in The Netherlands on July 22.000 SR (Symbol Rate) and 2/3 FEC
September 26th and 28th, Irish, French and 15th, 2011, when a ire destroyed the Smilde (Forward Error Correction) in MPEG-4
Dutch FM stations were identiied by Simon mast and a second blaze damaged the Lopik HD DVB S-2 8PSK. The two platforms are
Hockenhull (Bristol). French stations were installation on the same afternoon. The UK ARD-alpha HD and Radio Bremen HD. The
also present on December 26th from Lille on is not without its own drama. On May 13th, packets include tagesschau24 HD, ONE HD
105.20MHz (France Info) and 103.70MHz 2010, at the Oxford mast at Beckley, a ire and SR Fernsehen HD (from the Saarland
(France Inter). French stations were also engulfed a brand-new antenna that had just state of Germany). All the broadcasts are
heard by Andrew Jackson (Birkenhead) on been activated in advance of the area’s digi- currently unscrambled.
October 20th and 21st. On the 24th, Stephen tal switchover in 2011. Sándor Rottenbacher in Hungary has
Michie (Bristol) logged RTÉ Radio 1 on been monitoring transmissions from the
87.8MHz at around midday, with French sta- TV & Radio Anniversaries Hispasat craft at 30° West and was reward-
tions on 87.7MHz and 87.9MHz surfacing Tyne Tees was the seventh ITV region to ed with reception of the TV7 test card from
during the evening. The same period pro- commence broadcasting (Fig. 1). It launched Slovakia (Fig. 4).
duced Dutch and German captures for Chris on January 15th, 1959, from Burnhope on
Howles. George Garden (Gourdon, Scotland) Channel 8 (189.75MHz vision, 186.25MHz New BBC-2 Idents
logged a wealth of UK transmitters including sound), using horizontal polarization with BBC-2 introduced a new set of on-screen
Tacolneston (5kW) on 101.5MHz. 100kW ERP (Fig. 2). Meanwhile, BBC graphics (or ‘Identiication Symbols’ as they
Radio Wales recently celebrated its 40th are oficially known) on September 27th,
Terrestrial Closures anniversary. The national station for Wales, 2018. The BBC, incorrectly, announced
As Internet technology progresses, digital airing in English, commenced on 13th that this was their irst ‘re-branding’ in 20
terrestrial transmissions are further cur- November 1978. Until the expansion into FM years (Fig. 5).
tailed. This phenomenon is already happen- last October, many listeners were only able to Not to be outdone, ITV launched their
ing in Continental Europe. In Belgium, VRT listen to the station on 882kHz , from a high- own collection on January 1st, 2019. A
(Flemish-language) terrestrial TV transmit- power transmitter at Washford, Somerset. different animation will be shown for a week
ters switched off on December 1st, 2018. During the early hours of October 24th, BBC throughout 2019 (Fig. 6). The previous
Only an estimated 45,000 viewers were re- Radio Wales began taking over frequencies graphics ran for almost six years.
ceiving programmes from digital terrestri- at thirty-two transmitter sites previously Meanwhile, BBC-1 used three different
al transmitters; others were using cable or occupied by BBC Radio 3. festive Idents last Christmas (Fig. 7).
the Internet. Switzerland plans to switch off The World’s irst, digital, terrestrial Two of those featured a seaside pier and
its free-to-air digital terrestrial TV service by TV began on November 15th, 1998: ‘dodgem’ cars at a funfair.
the end of 2019. Other countries are adopt- ONdigital was a part-subscription service
ing the HEVC (High Eficiency Video Coding) intended to rival Sky. Keep in Touch!
compression standard, which makes more Please keep sending your TV and FM
eficient use of the UHF spectrum. This Local TV Gloom and NECR reception reports, news, comments and
helps with the 700MHz clearance project. In the light of signiicant inancial challenges photographs to Garry Smith 17 Collingham
In Germany, the HEVC roll-out is already many local TV companies are facing, Ofcom Gardens, Derby DE22 4FS. Our e-mail
well underway. In the state of Saarland, all have scrapped the roll-out of further sta- addresses are at the head of the column.

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RadioUser April 2019 37
International Radio Scene

CHRISSY BRAND

Palestine, Supreme Master

Ching Hai & New Love Alexa
Chrissy Brand focuses on Palestine and tunes into a mind-blowing range
of radio stations around the world, from Albania to Alaska, and from the
Middle East to Vietnam.

Chrissy Brand the diverse local populations, including in 1930 to 2030 on 1161kHz. Incidentally,
[email protected] French, Spanish, and in a host of Asian lan- the Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran,
guages. Less so in the voices of indigenous which is the external service of the state

T
here are probably two main rea- communities, but I wrote about that in the broadcaster Islamic Republic of Iran
sons for why DXers enjoy the past (RadioUser, September 2017: 43) and Broadcasting, is rebranding to become
world of radio; first, the thrill of will, no doubt, return to a similar topic later known as Pars Today.
chasing and identifying an ex- this year when I visit The Navajo Nation in http://parstoday.com/en
otic signal from far away; and Utah and Arizona. The BDXC Guide to Medium Wave and
second, the programme content, from news Short Wave Broadcasting in the Middle
to music, always in languages both famil- Short Wave East, East Mediterranean and the Caucasus,
iar and unknown. There is an extra frisson Graham Smith logged the Voice of Including a Complete List of Medium Wave
of excitement when pulling in those elusive Palestine, broadcasting in Arabic from Radio Stations in the Region (of January
transatlantic medium wave stations from Tehran in Iran, on 6070kHz at 0325 UTC. 2019) states that the Voice of the Islamic
across the pond. The Voice of Palestine is listed under Iran in Palestinian Revolution (to give it its full
While most eastern seaboard stations the World Radio TV Handbook (WRTH 2019: name) originates from Iran and broad-
in Canada and the US use English as a first 476-477). It is on the air in Arabic from casts in support of Palestinian groups (Fig.
language, many others also broadcast for 0230 to 0420 UTC on 7380kHz, and from 4). It uses IRIB transmitters at Chabahar,

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38 RadioUser April 2019
 International Radio Scene

CHRISSY BRAND CHRISSY BRAND

Sistan and Baluchistan (600kW), Qasr-e

Shirin (600kW) Sirjan (500kW) and Zahedan
(500kW). It airs from 0320 to 0420 daily in
Arabic on 6070 and 6085kHz from Sirjan;
also, from 1930-2030 on 765 and 1161kHz
from Chabahar, Sistan and Baluchistan, and
on 6060kHz from Zahedan.
Although recognised as a nation state
by 136 of the 193 United Nations mem-
ber states, the WRTH does not yet afford
Palestine a separate listing. However, the 3
ITU does include Palestine in its list of CHRISSY BRAND

geographical codes as ‘PSE’. The Voice was broadcast on CKUT radio in Montreal
of Palestine is part of the Palestinian since 2005, and on CFRC Radio in Kingston
Broadcasting Corporation which was es- since 2009. These Palestinian radio pro-
tablished in July 1994. The radio sta- grammes are another example of the long
tion was originally known as the Voice of history of community broadcasting in
Palestinian Revolution, before the 1993 North America, by and for indigenous peo-
Oslo Accords. The station was launched on ples. You can also listen to stations from
17 October 1998. Palestine online, playing a wide range of
The BDXC Guide notes that the music. 7Ria 92.7 is my current favourite
Palestinian Broadcasting Corporation from that part of the world.
is the state broadcasting station for the https://tinyurl.com/y6o2ldgf
Palestinian Territories of West Bank and https://ckut.ca
Gaza and broadcasts on FM only. Several https://tinyurl.com/yxeexe8f
other private broadcasting stations also Lionel Clyne heard one of Radio Romania
operate on FM in the territories. Audio from International’s many transmissions at 1523
Al-Quds TV is broadcast to Palestine (West UTC on 9810kHz. It was broadcasting in
Bank & Gaza). This satellite channel broad- Romanian from Galbeni, with a SINPO of
cast began transmitting in November 2008. 54555. Lionel commented that, when he
The station is Palestinian and licensed in entered it into his well-worn log book and
London. An audio feed of Al-Quds TV was single-purpose Jornada HP computer, he
first heard in late January 2009, and Arabic counted 120 earlier entries for RRI sta- 4
is broadcast between 0230 and 0530 UTC tion over the past 22 years, ranging from Fig. 1: A pro-Palestine march and rally in London,
via the 500kW short wave transmitter of 5910 to 21580kHz. 2017. Fig. 2: KNLS 2013 QSL card celebrating
IRIB at Zahedan. In early April 2019, I contacted Radio its 30th anniversary. Fig. 3: A Radio Tirana QSL
bdxc.org.uk/mideast.pdf Romania International regarding the sta- from its 75th Anniversary year in 2013. Fig. 4: The
There are other support groups and radio tion’s new series of QSL cards and was told BDXC publishes many free guides on its website,
stations around the world that campaign that, “The 2019 QSL cards will be about gar- including one for Middle East radio.
for international recognition, human rights ments for celebration, chains made of coins
and a voice for Palestine (Fig. 1). CKUT and adornments from the western part of Lionel also heard the Voice of Turkey at
Radio in Montreal has hosted a programme, Romania. Due to the fact that the state bud- 2002 UTC on 6050kHz from Emirler. This
with participation by the International get for 2019 is far from being approved, and English programme (Letterbox) acknowl-
Middle East Media Center, in Beit Sahour in due to the public procurements procedure, edged reception reports from around the
the West Bank of Palestine, and involving a we will have huge delays in producing the world. The programme is currently sched-
number of radio stations. QSL cards. We will try to ind a solution to uled as parts of its Friday broadcasts and
Another station, which also went by the produce them irst in an online version.” can be heard at 1345 UTC on 12035kHz,
name the Voice of Palestine, was first aired You can send reception reports by snail 1745 UTC on 11730kHz, 1945 UTC on
in the 1970s on Co-op Radio in Vancouver; mail, email or through an online form: 6050kHz, 2145 UTC on 9610kHz, and 2315
it continued until 2012. Under the Olive Tree www.rri.ro/en_gb/pages/receptie UTC on 5960kHz.

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RadioUser April 2019 39
International Radio Scene

Short Wave Logs

UTC kHz Station and Location Language SINPO Initials
0325 6070 Voice of Palestine, Tehran Arabic 35554 GS
1527 13680 Voice of Hope Africa, Lusaka English 35233 LC
1530 15770 Supreme Master TV, Okeechobee, FL English 35333 LC, OR
1539 7570 Voice of Korea, Kujang English 25234 LC
1548 7440 Channel 292, Rohrbach English 35333 LC
1600 15580 Voice of America, Botswana English 45434 LC, OR
1817 11975 BBC World Service, Ascension Island English 35334 LC, OR
1822 9445 All India Radio, Bengaluru English 45233 LC, OR
1829 9690 Radio Exterior de España, Noblejas Spanish 35222 LC
1900 12160 World Wide Christian Radio, Nashville, TN English 35333 LC, OR
1902 3875 Shortwave Radio, Winsen English 25333 LC
1911 12095 BBC World Service, Ascension Island English 45344 LC, OR
1918 11985 Adventist World Radio, Talata-Volonondry Arabic 45344 LC
1919 6180 Radio Romania International, Ţigăneşti- Saftica German 45554 LC
1923 6135 Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Sirjan French 35344 LC
1924 11965 KNLS Alaska, Mahajanga Arabic 45444 LC
1930 6120 TRT Voice of Turkey, Emirler Turkish 35344 LC
1930 6050 TRT Voice of Turkey, Emirler English 45444 LC
1940 6040 Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Sirjan English 35334 LC
2014 5990 Radio Romania International, Galbeni Romanian 55455 LC
2026 5950 KBS World, Issoudun French 54555 LC, OR
2031 5940 Radio Algérienne, Issoudun Arabic 55344 LC
2046 9690 Radio Exterior de España, Noblejas Spanish 45333 LC
2050 9420 Voice of Greece, Avlis Greek 55434 LC, OR
2106 6195 Voice of America, Botswana English 35323 LC
SUPREME MASTER TV

tion report to KNLS in 2014, after hearing LOG CONTRIBUTORS GS = Graham Smith, Bury St.
an hour-long English transmission from Edmunds, Suffolk. Sony ICF-SW600 and a telescopic
Anchor Point, Alaska on 9920kHz from antenna. LC = Lionel Clyne, Faversham, Kent. Lowe
1500 UTC. In a blog post, Timm wrote, HF-150, random wire or homemade loop. OR = Owen
“Reception report was emailed on 28 July Rutherford, London. Lowe HF-150 and a Wellbrook
2014. Subsequent emails were sent as late loop. SC = Scott Caldwell, Warrington, Cheshire.
as 2015, then again in early 2016. Finally! On Realistic DX394, Sony ICF2001D, Lowe HF225,
26 April, a QSL card arrived in the mail. This Wellbrook loop. TS = Tony Stickells, Wrexham.
QSL must have travelled by dog sledge, then SDRplay RSP2, AOR AR7030 and a 250ft-long wire.
a tug boat around the world, before reaching
Malaysia. It took nearly two years My irst
QSL from KNLS (back in 2011) has a sto- 11 pm.” Radio Tirana was a dominant voice
ried life as well.” on short wave for many years, peaking in
http://shortwavedxer.blogspot.com the 1980s, with 21 language services and
Radio Tirana celebrated its 80th 83 hours of programmes a week. Today,
Fig. 5: Supreme Master TV from Vietnam airs on Anniversary late last year. A well-written it is one of over sixty stations in Albania.
short wave radio too. overview of the station’s history can be Medium and short wave services have
found online. With Italian intergovernmen- been decimated and yet, there has been
It’s great to have Radio Exterior de tal help, Albanian Radio launched in 1937. an unlikely increase in the station’s audi-
España back in English on short wave Radio Tirana started in November 1938, ence numbers, through online listening.
(RadioUser, January 2019: 48). The nation- with foreign language services a year lat- According to the website, “technological
al Spanish service never left the band and er. The station has been housed in its cur- development has helped us to be listened
puts out a powerful signal. Lionel logged rent building since 1965. The online history to around the world. With the reduction of
it at 1530 UTC on 9690kHz with a foot- states that, “with the exception of some old- medium and short wave broadcasts, we
ball commentary. er recording equipment, from the German were afraid that we might lose our tradition-
KNLS, the Alaskan-based Christian sta- Democratic Republic and the Soviet Union, al listeners – radio enthusiasts; but a survey
tion, was logged by Lionel in Arabic via the all the studios and equipment were new. showed us that we now have more listeners
Mahajanga transmitter in Madagascar on They came from China and were installed than before.” Thanks to relays, Radio Tirana
11985kHz at 1924 UTC (Fig. 2). together with Chinese experts. This created is still on short wave (Fig. 3). You can hear it
Timm Breyel is an active DXer in Malaysia the possibility for Radio Tirana to launch a in Europe from Kall in Germany on 6005kHz
with a very fine blog. He sent a recep- daily programme of 18 hours, from 5 am to at 1330 UTC Mondays to Saturdays.

For the latest news and product reviews, visit www.radioenthusiast.co.uk

40 RadioUser April 2019
 International Radio Scene

Medium Wave Logs

kHz UTC Station Location Country SINPO Initials
531 1152 Kringvarp Føroya Akraberg Faroe Isles 44424 TS
540 1153 MR1 Kossuth Rádió Solt Hungary 45555 TS
558 2310 Radio Slovenija 1 Murska Sobota/Nemčavci Slovenia 52533 TS
570 0432 CFCB Corner Brook, NL Canada 33333 SC
580 0416 CFRA Ottawa, ON Canada 33333 SC
590 2314 VOCM St. John’s, NL Canada 43354 SC, TS
600 2316 CBNA St. Anthony, NL Canada 43333 SC
621 0110 ERTU Sawt al-Arab Batrah Egypt 53343 TS
670 0117 WSCR Chicago, IL USA 54243 TS
670 0532 WSCR Chicago, IL USA 33222 SC
675 0119 Qatar Media Corp Al-Arish Qatar 54334 TS
680 0119 WRKO Boston, MA USA 45233 TS
680 0516 CFTR Toronto, ON Canada 33333 SC
700 0700 WLW Cincinnati, OH USA 33333 SC
710 2354 Radio Rebelde Chambas Cuba 42343 TS
740 0526 CHCM Marystown, NL Canada 33333 SC
750 0001 CBGY Bonavista Bay, NL Canada 55454 SC, TS
760 0446 WJR Detroit, MI USA 32222 SC, TS
790 0148 WAXY Miami, FL USA 22222 SC
830 0300 WCRN Worcester, MA USA 22222 SC
864 0121 ERTU Al-Quran al-Karim Santah Egypt 52343 TS
900 1043 RAI Radio1 Milan Italy 35333 TS
950 0125 CKNB Campbelltown, NB Canada 33222 SC
1010 0118 CFRB Toronto, ON Canada 32222 SC
1010 2154 WINS New York, NY USA 42243 SC, TS
1020 0410 KDKA Pittsburgh, PA USA 22222 SC
1062 2157 Country Radio Praha/Zbraslav Czech Republic 53433 TS
1062 2157 RAI Radio1 Cagliari/Decimoputzu Italy 53433 TS
1071 2157 Al Nour Radio Tartus/Amrit Syria 52333 TS
1130 0414 WBBR New York, NY USA 33333 SC
1140 0106 CBI Sydney, NS Canada 32222 SC
1200 0050 WXKS Newton, MA USA 45333 TS
1200 0140 CFGO Ottawa, ON Canada 32222 SC
1377 2201 CNR 1 Xinyang China 53333 TS
1386 2202 Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Viešintos Lithuania 54444 TS
1390 2202 WEGP Presque Isle, ME USA 45243 TS
1400 2205 CBG Gander, NL Canada 45233 TS
1430 0055 CHKT Toronto Island, ON Canada 44243 TS
1500 0431 WFED Washington, DC USA 22222 SC
1540 0005 WNWR Philadelphia, PA USA 44344 TS
1580 0645 WFME New York, NY USA 33333 SC
1593 0013 Bretagne 5 Saint-Gouéno France 55555 TS

It is aired to the Americas on 5950 and ture’s beauty, the cinema scene, healthy liv- wire, due to water ingress, but the 250ft di-
9395kHz at 0230 UTC daily. If you can’t ing, science and spirituality, literature, being pole that is a lot noisier, still brought in the
hear it that way, listen to English, German, vegan and green, secrets of the universe results, He heard 13 transatlantic stations
Turkish and other languages online. and lectures by Supreme Master Ching Hai. and commented that he now has, “a su-
https://tinyurl.com/ya5fr6ld Programme comments can be emailed per way to identify many stations, I use my
A newcomer to short wave was Supreme to [email protected], and re- Amazon Echo! What a great accessory for
Master TV, Constructive Programming ception reports should go to WRMI station ID! You can get nearly all MW sta-
for a Peaceful World (Fig. 5). It is based in at [email protected] tions from across the world on it via Tune-
Vietnam and broadcasts in several languag- I have enjoyed the Supreme Master TV in and other sources. There is also a short
es including Hungarian and Mongolian. Channel online at this URL: wave for ID. I listen to the station through the
Lionel logged it in English on WRMI www.suprememastertv.com headphones and then say Alexa ‘access ra-
(15770kHz) from Okeechobee, Florida at dio player’; then, ‘Alexa play WINS from New
1548 UTC. The full schedule for Supreme Medium Wave York’ – and it plays! A time-saving method.
Master TV, via WRMI, is from 1100 to 1400 There are some good transatlantic logs The best for me for the month was CNR1 on
UTC on 7570kHz, from 1400 to 2000 UTC this month from Scott Caldwell and Tony 1377kHz identiied with my new love, Alexa.”
on 15770kHz, and from 2100 to 0000 UTC Stickells, relecting what was heard by oth- Graham Smith found pages at Radio NL
on 9455kHz. The latter time slot also sees er UK DXers in January. that tell the history of Dutch medium wave
4980kHz beamed towards the Caribbean You should also check out the February broadcasting, and another that shows the
and Latin America. WRMI stated that the issue of the British DX Club’s newsletter end to the Flevoland transmitter masts.
programmes consist of news about global Communication. https://tinyurl.com/yy6wq2bj
warming, animal rights, peace news, na- Tony had a problem with his 500ft-long https://tinyurl.com/y26h6cac

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RadioUser April 2019 41
Scanning Scene

Tetra on the AOR AR-DV1

TIM KIRBY

Tim Kirby
[email protected]

Tim Kirby has a go at Tetra reception

with the AOR AR-DV1, previews the
Uniden Bearcat SDS200, tries ADS-B
with a dongle, and marvels at what can
be received with the rtl_433 software.

In late December 2018, Mike B wrote in,

with the news that AOR had just released a
BETA version of the irmware for the AOR
AR-DV1 digital receiver, which now receives
TETRA. Mike had tested it by setting up a
search of the Airwave base frequencies,
from 390 to 395MHz, in 12.5khz steps. Of
course, the transmissions in this band are
encrypted, so you will not be able to listen to
content. It’s either that or, as Mike says, the
Police speak Klingon! At the time of writ-
ing, the irmware is still in BETA. However,
if you have an AOR AR-DV1 and would like
to try this, you can read about the irm-
ware at this URL:
https://tinyurl.com/y26sses7
Fig. 1: The RTL-SDR dongle and antenna I used for the experiments detailed in this column.
Uniden Bearcat SDS-200
Base Scanner On Its Way ports  APCO P25 Phase I and II, Motorola, others, it may be interesting to see where
I hope that you have enjoyed my review EDACS, LTR Trunking, MotoTRBO Capacity the aircraft you are hearing is actually lo-
of the Uniden Bearcat SDS-100 scanner + and Connect +**, DMR Tier III**, Hytera cated. There are some websites, which you
in Scanning Scene last month (RadioUser, XPT**, Single-Channel DMR**, NXDN 4800 can use to track aircraft around you, for ex-
March 2019: 39-41). Meanwhile, Karl H and 9600** and EDACS ProVoice**. ample, Flightradar24.com. I use the 360ra-
spotted that the Uniden SDS-200 was get- The Sentinel database only works within dar site, which – although you pay a small
ting ready for release. The SDS-200 is es- North America, and digital mode updates subscription fee – does cover military and
sentially a base version of the SDS-100. will cost you extra. [Additional or third-party police trafic, as well as civil aviation.
Uniden says there are some enhance- software may be required, and the ’**’ means Of course, you can also track aircraft
ments. By peering at the photographs of that paid upgrades will be required for DMR, by receiving ADS-B transmissions from
the set, I can see there is an RJ-45 (net- NXDN, and ProVoice monitoring – Ed.]. them. You have probably read about ADS-B
work) connector on the back of the scan- All of which does sound pretty similar to elsewhere, but if you need a quick catch-up,
ner. Reading around, it looks like there will the SDS-100 in a base package! If you’re take a look at this resource:
be remote-control and remote-listening looking seriously at the SDS-200, you’ll https://tinyurl.com/otn5yt7
functions. Therefore, you should be able to most likely want the upgrade to allow de- ADS-B transmissions are on 1090MHz.
leave your SDS-200 connected at home and coding of DMR, which looks likely to be an Receiving them takes a simple USB stick
listen to it on your laptop or even mobile extra £50. On January 2nd 2019, Uniden (Fig. 1), a small aerial, and some software
phone, on the go. stated that the receiver was FCC-approved. for your computer. Some of the advertisers
What we know so far is that, according Therefore, by the time you read this, it in RadioUser carry adverts for the
to Uniden, “the SDS200 incorporates the lat- should be reaching retailers. FlightAware dongles, which work really well
est True I/Q receiver technology, which pro- [We’re hoping to get hold a model to with a RaspberryPi computer (see below).
vides the best digital decode performance review and share more details with you Alternatively, you can search eBay for
in the industry, even in challenging receive very soon TK/GW.]. an ‘RTL-SDR dongle’ (Fig. 1). Look for
environments. Highlights include: True I/Q™ ‘R820T2’ (the tuner) in the description.
Receiver, TrunkTracker X, Direct Ethernet Plotting Aircraft Positions on a You can get them for around £6. Rather
Connectivity for Streaming and Control, Map than ill the column up with instructions
Complete USA/Canada Radio Database, I was idly listening to the air trafic over of how to set things up, I’ll point you at the
Location Control for Simple Operation and the West Country at the weekend – most- Quick Start Guide on the excellent RTL-
3.5” Customizable Display. The SDS200 ly commercial trafic, heading to North SDR.COM website. It is well worth a look
offers TrunkTracker X technology and sup- America or to Ireland. For me, and many for an idea of the sorts of things that you

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42 RadioUser April 2019
 Scanning Scene

TIM KIRBY

can try. There are instructions for how to

set up a dongle on Windows, Linux and
Macintosh computers.
A very popular option is to use a
RaspberryPi as the computer to receive and
decode the signals from aircraft. You can
ind the ‘Quick Start Guide’ here:
https://tinyurl.com/y8crp25o
Assuming that you are using Windows,
there is a tutorial on how to use the ADSB#
decoder to receive data from aircraft,
at this address:
https://tinyurl.com/ycee7rl4
Although it’s not ideal, you can easily use 2

the aerial which comes with the dongle to KEVIN HEWITT

receive the aircraft ADS-B transmissions.

This works even indoors, although you
should try and place the antenna near a win-
dow. You should be able to receive aircraft
from around 50-70 miles away.
Once you get hooked – as you surely will
– then there are some designs for making
your own aerial. This will probably prove
more effective than the basic antenna.
If like me, you use a Mac, you can easily
set up an ADS-B decoder using an RTL-SDR
dongle. You can install Macports and then
install the rtl_sdr software. Once you have
done that, you can follow instructions sim-
ilar to those for the Raspberry Pi, to install
the dump1090 ADS-B decoder (Fig. 2). You
should look for the ‘Malcolm Robb’ version.
There are also some commercial units
such as the Airspy and the SDRPlay units.
These can be considerably more sensitive
than the simple RTL-SDR dongles.
If you install an ADS-B receiver and run it
regularly, you should consider feeding your 3

data into the various plotting networks. It’s Fig. 2: An example of the output from dump1090, receiving ADS-B signals from the RTL-SDR dongle with
a way of giving back to the hobby in some indoor aerial. Fig.3: The control desk of the OB vehicle of the Gibraltar Broadcasting Corporation.
respects. The networks are always looking
for people to run receiving stations, espe- band, and I was able to see data from our stations! As he said, there is no need to buy
cially if you are in an out-of-the-way place, wireless thermometers and those of our a weather station, with all those data be-
such as a far-flung island or coastal spot in neighbours! There is a myriad of other sen- ing transmitted.
the Highlands or on the Irish coast. sors transmitting on 433MHz, and rtl_433 To give you an idea of how busy the band
And if you are not, your data is still wel- is able to decode many of them and dis- is, Mike recorded almost 3,000 transmis-
come. Although you will probably see the play the data. If you want more informa- sions in around an hour on the 433MHz
same high altitude aircraft as everyone else, tion about this, you can obtain the software band. Intrigued by this, I popped my com-
aircraft at lower altitudes will only be detect- from this source: puter and RTL_SDR dongle in the car when
ed over a fairly small area of ground. https://github.com/merbanan/rtl_433 I was travelling to the local supermarket.
There is a post on using the rtl_433 soft- Once parked up, I started the rtl_433 pro-
It’s Not Just Aircraft Either ware at this URL: gram. Rather than outputting the data of
There’s plenty of other things that you can https://tinyurl.com/y2lokn7g the program to the screen, I saved it as a
do with your RTL-SDR dongle once it’s in- I told my friend Mike about the rtl_433 Comma Separated Variable (.csv) ile. After
stalled. You can install a bit of SDR soft- utility, and he attached the dongle to his a few minutes, I halted the program and im-
ware – depending on which operating sys- 70cm amateur band beam, pointed at a lo- ported the .csv ile into Microsoft Excel (you
tem you are using – and use it as a receiver. cal centre of population and received all can use any spreadsheet program).
For example, I installed a bit of software sorts of signals including cars’ tyre pres- I could now see the information that I
called rtl_433. This allows you to monitor sure monitoring systems, oil tank level had captured. It was mostly tyre pressure
the unlicensed bands around 433, 868, 315 monitors for houses, smart electricity me- management systems on Citroen, Renault,
and 915MHz. I tried this out on the 433MHz ters, as well as multiple types of weather Ford and Toyota vehicles. I could see the

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RadioUser April 2019 43
Scanning Scene

DAVID S.

various tyre pressure readings for differ-

ent vehicles. Having the data in a spread-
sheet means you can analyse it and get a
good sense of what signals you are seeing.
If – like one person that I saw talking about
rtl_433 – you live close to a major trunk
road or motorway, you will discover a lot
of data on 433MHz coming from cars trav-
elling past you.
If you have not yet had a play with one
of the RTL-SDR dongles – and if you en-
joy playing around the boundaries of radio
and computers – I can recommend it as an
interesting and rewarding experiment. In
terms of ‘bang for your buck,’ there’s a lot of
fun to be had, for a very small outlay, with an
RTL-SDR dongle and software. If you have
not tried using an SDR before, this may well
enthuse you to look at the subject in some
more depth – with a better quality receiv-
er. However, the cheap dongles are a great
place to start.
[Check out our column on Software-
Deined Radio, by Andrew Barron – Ed.].

Talking Rubbish
A couple of weeks ago, there was some
tropospheric enhancement on VHF/UHF,
and I was delighted to be hearing ma-
rine band transmissions here in land-
locked Oxfordshire. The accents were
Liverpudlian; when I got home, I was
searching around to see if I could get any
sense of what I’d heard. Googling VHF in
the Liverpool area, I found a very humor-
ous entry on one forum, saying that all
they heard on VHF was radio hams ‘talk-
ing rubbish’ So, a gentle reminder to all
of us who have amateur licences that
we are being listened to by more people Fig. 4: SSTV image from the ISS, received by David S with his portable scanner and mobile phone.
than we may think!
ly referred to as a ‘Spacewalk’, on the 11th the downlink of the ISS when it was trans-
Listening Post December, between 1600 and 2200 UTC. mitting Slow Scan Television (SSTV). On
From Gibraltar, our reader Kevin heard local Kevin monitored communications be- January 31st (Fig. 4) David listened with a
air trafic control giving US Marine Osprey tween the cosmonauts (on 121.100 and Uniden Bearcat UBC-125XLT scanner and a
aircraft permission to fly over Runway 09 121.275MHz FM) and the ISS (130.167MHz telescopic whip antenna, feeding the audio
at a low level. FM) during a 13° pass over the Rock, from to an SSTV decoder on his iPhone.
Kevin reported, “The Gibraltar the Bay of Gibraltar. The following day, February 1st, David lis-
Broadcasting Corporation hosted an Open Using an Alinco DJ-X3, with a 2-element tened to a schools contact between an as-
Day on the 12th December 2018, to raise ‘rabbit-ears’ aerial, he heard nothing. tronaut on the ISS and a school in Portugal.
money for local charities on the Rock. The However, 5 minutes later, as the pass David had great reception and used his
satellite uplink truck was parked in the al- continued over Europe, a station in Greece Uniden UBC-125XLT scanner and a SkyScan
leyway beside John Macintosh Hall, it was reported receiving one minute of audio magnetic mount antenna on his car.
plain white, with no company logos, and the from the ISS on 130.167MHz, using an RTL- If you have been thinking of getting in
dish was not deployed. The truck was being SDR dongle with a turnstile antenna. touch but haven’t done so, please do!
used as an audio/video mixing suite, and Roger B also received audio from the It will be great to hear from you and it will
also, by the director, to instruct the sound ISS on 130.167MHz, and the cosmonaut ensure that I include a wide variety of top-
and camera crew (Fig. 3).” on 121.100MHz was breaking through the ics in the column.
https://www.gbc.gi squelch a few times. Roger used an Icom [Next month, look out for our review of the
Russian cosmonauts conducted an IC-R7000 and a Diamond discone aerial. FlightAware Pro Stick/ Raspberry Pi ADS-B
EVA (Extra Vehicular Activity), common- David S from Yorkshire was listening to receiving combination - Ed.].

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44 RadioUser April 2019
 RSGB SHOP
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Digital Radio

Multiplex Changes
Kevin Ryan reports on DAB changes in the UK, evaluates recent Ofcom proposals
that might bring more DAB+, and previews DRM receivers on display at BES 2019.

Kevin Ryan scale DAB multiplex. To get nearer to FM

[email protected] quality Scala should aim for 80-96 kits/s
but I doubt they will secure all of it.

O
n the 4th February 2019, I wondered if Bauer would opt for a joint
Absolute Radio 90s moved stereo DAB at 112 kb/s. I certainly hope
from the Digital 1 (D1) not but with about 50% of digital radio
multiplex to the Sound Digital receivers only able to decode DAB, it could
(D2) multiplex. This is the happen until the station is established.
second coverage boost for Absolute Radio My prediction came true, and Scala
90s. In 2016, it joined the D2 multiplex Radio started testing on the 19th of
having previously been only on local February in DAB at 112kbits/s.
multiplexes. The SDL (D2) multiplex The Bauer website states that Scala
is consistently reported as being full. I Radio will offer ‘classical music for modern
checked this out, and all the 864 Capacity life’, with a promise that, ‘Scala Radio is
Units (CU) are allocated. This is the first set to be the biggest launch in UK classical
time I have seen exactly 864 CUs being music radio in nearly thirty years’. Bauer
used. Bauer, the owner of the stations, goes on to predict that ‘Scala Radio Fig.1: Scala Radio plans to win listeners from both
removed Heat Radio making 80kb/s anticipates explosive growth in the genre the BBC and Classic FM.
available for Absolute Radio 90s. and an ever-growing cross-over into the
Following this change, the multiplex mainstream - the new station will break the and they recently acquired the Wireless
is back at full capacity again but other mould of classical music in the UK’. Group’s portfolio of local radio stations.
changes are underway. On the 11th of Only time will tell what this means in The Wireless Group plans to focus on
February, sister station KISSTORY moved practice. I listened to a bonus podcast their national radio brands of TalkSport
in the opposite direction, to reach even from the BBC’s The Media Show, in which and Virgin networks. The Wireless Group
more listeners via the Digital 1 multiplex, Bauer Media’s Steve Parkinson explained owns SwitchDigital, which operates six
where it will sit alongside the main KISS the strategy behind Scala Radio. I found local multiplexes.
station. Magic Chilled is replacing Absolute the podcast high on marketing jargon but https://tinyurl.com/y66l4xln
Radio 90s on a number (Ofcom lists 15) of low of actual information. To be fair to https://www.wirelessgroup.co.uk/home
local multiplexes. Magic Soul is expanding Steve Parkinson, I thought that the BBC http://www.switchdigital.com
in the north of England on the Liverpool, presenter treated him like the ‘upstart
Manchester, Lancashire and South kid on the block’! RAJAR Figures
Yorkshire multiplexes. Scala Radio aims to position the station The listening figures for the last quarter
https://tinyurl.com/y3o3hrng between BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM. of 2018 shifted significantly, for some
Like Virgin Radio, with Chris Evans as stations, from those for the third quarter.
Scala Radio their leading presenter, Scala’s ‘flagship- BBC 6 Music remains the most listened to
On March 4th, Bauer successfully presenter’ is Simon Mayo who also left BBC digital-only station, even though listeners
launched a new classical music station in Radio 2. Reading the promotional material dropped by 2% over the year. This reflects
stereo, Scala Radio (Fig. 1), featuring the in some recent Sunday newspapers, a 3.5% decline in the total hours that we
former Radio 2 DJ, Simon Mayo. There it seems that Scala wants to attract listen to the radio and a 1% decline in the
will 80 kb/s data capacity available after listeners who like the music from Simon number of people listening to the radio.
KISSTORY moves. The January 2019 Mayo’s old BBC Radio 2 show and also BBC Radio 4 Extra is back to the number
Broadcast Update from Ofcom noted listen to Classic FM. I don’t think they can 2 spot after KISSTORY’s listenership
the removal of Magic Chilled from the hope to win a big share of the BBC Radio dropped by over 16% on its Q3/2018
SDL multiplex making a further 32 kb/s 3’s listenership. peak. Have listeners moved to Smooth,
capacity available for reuse.There is now a www.scalaradio.co.uk Heart and Heat, which are due to become
total of 112kbs/s available for Scala Radio. If you want to learn more about the online stations?
If Scala actually opts to use DAB+ I think it extensive Bauer radio portfolio, visit The Magic network (Fig. 2) is attracting
will need a minimum data rate of 48kb/s. their website. On it, you will find ‘media- more listeners to all its niche stations.
I base this estimate on the configuration packs’ and potted descriptions of each The biggest loser (down over 37%) that
used by RTE Lyric FM on the Dublin small radio station. Bauer continues to grow, I spotted is BBC Radio 5 Live Extra, and

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46 RadioUser April 2019
 Digital Radio

PICTURES: KEVIN RYAN

the biggest increase is in Absolute Radio

90s listenership, up 30%. Other stations
have bigger swings, but they broadcast
on several bands, so I don’t feature
them in my Top 10.
https://tinyurl.com/yb8y7g4z

News from Europe

Many EU countries are ramping up their
deployment of DAB. Here are two of the
many developments: At the end of 2018,
the French regulator, (Conseil supérieur de
l’audiovisuel, CSA) announced that - with
the successful launch of DAB+ services in
Lyon and Strasbourg, Paris, Nice, Marseille
and Lille - 21.3% of the French population 2
is now covered by digital radio broadcasts.
You might think that this is a fair start, but
the real significance is in passing the 20% 3

threshold, which triggers a law requiring all

new radios sold in France to include DAB+. built, possibly affecting existing DAB Fig. 2: The stations in the Magic network: RAJAR
Consumer radios will need to be digital transmissions. The 2014 regulations are figures confirm their popularity. Fig. 3: An Ofcom
within 12 months, and automotive radios not suited to the needs or the budgets ‘Drive Test’ contains public sector information,
will need to comply within 18 months. of the small DAB community requiring licensed under the Open Government Licence
Existing DAB or DMB devices need to be interference calculations, Ofcom calls (v3.0). Extracted from the Consultation: Revision
upgraded to DAB+ in three months. DAB+ this Adjacent Channel Interference (ACI). to Digital Radio Technical Code 2019.
coverage is planned to reach 50% of the Ofcom proposes ‘receiver-blocking’,
population by the end of 2019 and 70% of using specialist computer software; it engineers using expensive test receivers
the population by the end of 2020. put forward proposals to mitigate any in the main. Domestic type receivers may
Meanwhile, Austria launches a effects including building additional DAB produce quite different results.
nationwide DAB+ service in three transmitters. You can imagine how much Blocking occurs in receivers where a
phases starting on 28th May 28, 2019, time and effort this could take; current strong, unwanted, signal affects the AGC,
and completing in September 2020. It regulations have no timescales within reducing the gain of the RF stages. This
is run by ORS, the national transmitter which affected will broadcasters need to makes the reception of the wanted signal
operator. Almost 85 per cent of the respond. In summary, the regulations are difficult or even impossible.
Austrian population will be able to more suited to the big multiplex operators
receive up to 14 broadcasting stations, such as Muxco and Arqiva. Spectral Masks
but only eight seem definite sign- Ofcom also suggests that theoretical Ideally, a DAB transmitter should not
ups at the moment. calculations be replaced by a ‘Drive-Test’ radiate any power outside its 1.536MHz
(Fig. 3). With this, actual measurements bandwidth, but in the real world, it does. A
An Ofcom Consultation are made, in the immediate vicinity of ‘spectral mask’ is a plot of RF energy that
Ofcom issued a consultation early the proposed transmitter site, before and defines how much power can be radiated
February 2019. It proposes wide-ranging after the new transmitter is switched on. into adjacent frequencies containing
changes in three areas of the Digital Radio A small-scale DAB operator would carry other multiplexes. In shape, it is like a
Technical Code and Guidance documents out a simple, non-mathematical, self- bandpass filter.
that were last revised in 2014. All three assessment and rate the ACI risk as Red, There are two versions of the DAB
come under the umbrella of DAB planning Amber or Green.They then would have to spectral mask, called ‘critical’ and ‘non-
because they cover potential interference liaise with existing operators who need critical’ (Fig. 4). The critical mask limits
to other stations and use of DAB+. to respond in an agreed time. Ofcom most unwanted radiated power to within
recommends that multiplex operators +/- 0.97MHz of the channel centre
Some New Transmitters should erect temporary transmission sites frequency. The non-critical variety allows
Ofcom is looking ahead to the roll- to carry out such tests. for more power to be radiated into adjacent
out of small-scale DAB, where a large I welcome the move from theoretical- frequencies, between 0.97 and 3MHz from
number of what they term ‘modestly- only to more practical measurements, the centre of the DAB signal.
powered’ transmitter sites will be but these will be carried out by broadcast Ofcom is inviting views on whether it

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RadioUser April 2019 47
Digital Radio

should allow more widespread use of

the non-critical spectral mask, especially
where DAB multiplexes are adjacent to
Programme Making and Special Events
(PMSE) stations. Permitting use of a less
stringent mask could allow simpler, lower-
cost, filters to be used by broadcasters.

More DAB+
Currently, the Technical Code states that
DAB+ can only be used when specifically
permitted by Ofcom because the default
is that conventional DAB audio encoding
will normally be used. However, DAB+
compatible receivers have become
increasingly widespread in recent years
and DAB+ is now used more widely. Ofcom
also proposes to remove the 30% limited
for DAB+ usage set for the D2 multiplex.
In the future, multiplex operators and
station owners will decide when to use
DAB+, as they are best placed to decide if
it makes commercial sense. The proposal 4
includes other changes that bring the
2014 Code in line with the EN 300 401 ETSI
standard. These include the removal of
monitoring points (directional coupler)
at single multiplex transmitter sites, and
changes to how the allocation of Service
ID (SID) and Transmitter Identification (TII)
codes is handled in the future.
https://tinyurl.com/yxvgrk2h

BES 2019
India has the most extensive DRM network
in the world, so I am always keen to see
what might appear in the DRM booth at
the Broadcast Engineering Society (BES)
exhibition in India. Some of the regular
suppliers were there, such as Gospell
(GR216) and Avion Electronics (AV-1401).
The AV-1401 receiver has been re-
designed, and the new variant sells for
about £70 (Rs 6599 + taxes). However, 5

the company only sells within India for the

moment. The Avion Electronics website Inntot. They showcased two products Fig. 4: The non-critical mask allows more energy
says the price is about £77 (Rs 7200). from their Echo range, one for DRM 30 to leak into the adjacent channels. Fig. 5: Can
However, this is aimed at re-sellers wanting (AM bands) and one for DRM+ (Band I/II/ you imagine DRM reception on a mobile device?
to buy in bulk. Reportedly, the model will III). These are SDR implementations using Possible, but perhaps unlikely, in practice...
be available to buy online in the future but the familiar ARM processor, and they can
who knows what that means other than a be integrated into all sorts of devices,
rise in price. The designers of the Starwave such as receivers and mobile phone Summary
radio are seeking third parties to order their adapters (Fig. 5). It seems DAB is going to be ‘unshackled’
receiver in large quantities, to make tooling http://www.inntot.com/drm_ip_.html by Ofcom who need to get their small-scale
up their production lines worthwhile. The I am also excited about GeekSynergy, DAB plans in motion with the minimum of
magic figure seems to be about 10,000 which aims to produce DRM decoders technical obstacles. Once again there is
units, although Starwave quotes a $50/unit for the radio enthusiast. Their website excitement in the world of DRM, but will
price for a run of 1,000 units. shop lists a DRM software decoder for £1 anyone start manufacturing receivers in
https://tinyurl.com/y2cqe2px (Rs100), out of stock, but that just seems large numbers? Will China step in, now the
The kit that really caught my eye was too cheap. Other sources quote $5. country is the world’s leading Short Wave
the first real output from a startup called https://shop.geeksynergy.com/ DRM broadcaster?

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48 RadioUser April 2019
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Network Radio

Getting Out and About

The clocks are going forward, and Spring is arriving! This is always a good
time to be thinking of using the radio outdoors. Network radio (NR) lends
itself particularly well to portable operation.
ROY BLAKEMORE G1IKF

Chris Rolinson
[email protected]

ince NR is ‘QRPp-radio’ (very low

S power), it has many advantages,

of which battery life is just one.
In the UK nowadays, we are in-
creasingly in a position where
at least one cell network, and probably
more, will have some kind of data coverage
in most areas.
For outdoors, you could consider a pro-
vider like Anywhere SIM.
https://anywheresim.com
This will let you roam between UK net-
works, getting the best signal, wherever you
are. Expensive though! You may end up ‘off-
grid’ in some of the remoter parts of the UK.
However, as Roy G1IKF discovered last year
(RadioUser, October 2018: ) 4G coverage
around Loch Ness was much better than
VHF/UHF amateur coverage (Fig. 1).
It is, nonetheless, worth thinking through
a few issues before going outdoors. Many
NR units have removable batteries, just like
traditional ones. Iinvesting in a spare bat-
tery might be useful. Power banks are also
cheap these days and can supply power for
a variety of devices, for a long day out.
Replacement antennas can be sourced,
and a few hardy souls (like ‘Hairy Paul’ Fig.1: Working best on Loch Lomond.
NR707) have even been known to play with
Yagi antennas for the cell phone bands, complaints about Mobile Network opera- 1. Recognising that access to the RF spec-
plugging them into an NR’s antenna socket. tors. The latest set of figures are reveal- trum is critical to enable further wire-
One cannot underestimate the cover- ing (Fig. 2). For those of us using Wi-Fi to less connectivity
age boost you will get to your signal in a connect to a Network, clearly, Sky is doing 2. Ensuring that the spectrum is not an in-
remote area if you can have gain on both a lot to keep folk happy. When it comes to hibitor to innovation
transmit and receive! I am hopeful we might mobile networks, Tesco takes some beat- 3. Making more spectrum available for li-
hear more on this in a future column, by the ing, though EE, O2 and Three perform well cence-exempt use
way. But perhaps the easiest thing about too. Bearing in mind that these are the 4. Looking at greater shared access to RF
using NR outdoors is that you probably al- number of complaints per 100,000 users 5. Driving investment in
ready have it on whatever device you nor- though, figures remain reassuringly small Fibre-Optic networks
mally carry with you. Just load up Zello or for all companies. https://tinyurl.com/y573sgw6
Teamspeak or whatever is your favourite This is linked with the roll-out of the forth-
platform and off you go! If the 21st Century Supporting Innovation coming 5G spectrum. One advantage of
is about anything, it is convenience, and NR In a recent publication, Ofcom outlines how this could well be a reduction in network la-
has that in spades! the radio spectrum is being managed to tency. The Internet of Things (IoT) will need
help supporting wireless innovation. The high reliability, as well as a virtually instant
Complaints! key points and recommendations in this response. Whether or not this will find its
One of Ofcom’s jobs is to keep track of document are as follows: way into our hobby, we will have to wait and

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50 RadioUser April 2019
 Network Radio

OFCOM OFCOM

Fig. 3: Will this have Android Soon?

for every button, add a Broadcast Intent to Zello goes bust?’ I suspect there is always
either single tap (assuming you don’t use going to be one platform or another avail-
this device for dialling numbers), double tap able to us hobbyists…
or long press. 
3. In the field “action” add “com.dfl.knob” Zello Expanding
(without inverted commas!) On the ‘going bust myth’, a recent Zello
4. In the field “key:value” add “frequency- press release informed us that they were
Num:XX” where XX is the number of the actually still expanding! In addition to CEO
channel (01, 02...) Bill Moore and Founder Alexey Gavrilov,
5. Save it and check if it works!  they have now hired 4 new executive mem-
Filip says he only uses it for a few chan- bers to ‘round out’ their top team.
nels, but you can add more. Users who have Enter a Vice-President of Marketing, a
tried this, report that it works really well. Director of Engineering, and Head of Sales
Fig. 2: Ofcom Complaints Table for Q3/18. & Customer Operations and a Director of
Zello in the News Operations. The official line is that Zello is,
see. In any case, it is great to be alive in this The Techigem website named Zello their “scaling its leadership and company struc-
age of network-driven RF. number 1 PTT app for 2019, something ture and is poised to accelerate growth and
which pleased the company, who posted take advantage of market traction.”
An Inrico T320 Tip about it on their blog. As Techigem said, The press release was at pains to point
(which might work elsewhere!) “…occupying the first position… Zello is not out that Zello remains a profitable business.
I recently came across a useful snippet of only the best walkie-talkie app available on Current customers include such big guns as
information on the T320 Facebook Group (the) market but is also the most popular Honda, Restoration Hardware, Starwood/
from Android enthusiast Filip Everaert amongst its contenders.” Marriott, Uniqlo, Waste Management,
NR001. Apparently, you can map the 0-9 Check out the full list here: and YRC Freight.
hardware buttons on the radio to go di- https://tinyurl.com/y6a49nzr As hobbyists, we don’t see much of the
rectly to a channel in Zello (and possibly What is interesting from this link is the commercial side of Zello, so it is reassuring
even also individual contacts) – now that’s sheer number of PTT apps there are avail- to hear such news.
nifty! You do this, by using the ‘donated’ able. Remember these are just neutral plat-
(paid) version of the Button Mapper soft- forms on which we as NR hobbyists can A Tiger in your Trunk?
ware as follows: build our systems, so there is nothing to Adam Lowery posted news of a new PoC
1. Rename the channels you want to add to stop us using any or indeed all of them. Trunking radio on Facebook recently. The
01 ‘name’, 02 ‘name’ and so on It also goes some way to allaying the TID (Tiger International Developments)
2. Add the buttons in Button Mapper and fears of those who say, ‘What happens if M5 (Fig. 3) is a fascinating device, but cur-

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RadioUser April 2019 51
Network Radio

NIKO CAIGNIE NR515

4
NIKO CAIGNIE NR515

Fig. 4: An Impressive TM7+ Installation.

Fig. 5: The Switch between battery and radio is
well-positioned.

rently runs on the professional ‘Real PTT’

platform on Linux. However, Adam informs
us that there is some talk of an Android-
derivative for other markets!

New Website
Niko Caignie NR515 from Belgium has
posted a professional-looking website
about Network Radio. Beautifully designed,
it is already filling up with really useful ma-
terial for the hobbyist:
www.nr515.be 5
There’s a very useful repository of self-
penned ‘Manuals for Beginners’, useful ar- gives the best talk. Dave reports that his The ‘expected’ conversation took place
ticles on how to use the devices and some presentation, ‘Network Radio, an introduc- - along the lines of the Inrico T199 being
links to other places on the web where fur- tion to the concept, equipment and the NR more ‘suitable’ for him as it didn’t have a
ther help can be found. Suite of channels on Zello’, was voted best screen. But then I learned something new
One article that particularly took my at- of 2018 by the members. (to me at least).
tention addressed how Niko installed his Cue a return visit, to pick up the trophy The blind operator stated he would ac-
TM-7+ into the roof console of his Isuzu (Fig. 6). Read more on Dave’s blog: tually prefer a screen-based radio as he
pick-up truck. You can read it here: https://tinyurl.com/y34ahpu8 could use something called ‘TalkBack’
https://tinyurl.com/yxj6tdp5 with it. What was that? Surely someone
There is even some video too! As you can Network Radios with visual impairment wouldn’t want an
see from the photos in Figs. 4 and 5, he did and the Visually Impaired NR with a screen?
an excellent job! I frequently find myself listening in to con- Well, a little research and it seems
versations on Network Radio and I never ‘TalkBack’ is something baked-in to most
Awards Corner! fail to be amazed at how users are grasping recent Android versions. It facilitates ‘eyes-
Regular correspondent Dave Lees G0PDL the possibilities of the system. free’ operation of any Android device.
has won an award for a talk he gave on Only today, I happened upon a chat Furthermore, it offers vibration and au-
Network Radio to the Solihull Amateur between a visually-impaired operator dio feedback to the user and can even
Radio Society. and his friend. read your screen to you. Now I was be-
Each year, the club awards the ‘Frank The former wanted advice on how to ginning to understand what the operator
Bridges Trophy’ to the person they think set up his screen-based Network Radio. was getting at.

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52 RadioUser April 2019
 Network Radio

G0PDL

TalkBack, it transpires, has been sub-

sumed into something called the ‘Android
Accessibility Suite’ – which ironically
doesn’t sound a very ‘accessible’ name for
the technology, does it?
There is more about this at the
following URL:
https://tinyurl.com/y2bgehzj
To be fair, you probably need Android 7 or
higher to take full advantage of this.
Table 1 is a list of features includ-
ed in the suite.
The Android Accessibility Suite can be
downloaded from here:
https://tinyurl.com/yxf7jf45
It is fun to play with, whether you have
a sight-related issue or not. What particu-
larly strikes me is that normal PTT radi-
os, due to the less sophisticated software
they inevitably use, struggle to make this
kind of impact or inroads into working for
sight-impaired folk.
We probably all know a few sight-im-
paired friends in our hobby, and it is great
to see Google providing fully-fledged tools
to allow them to interact better with their
Network devices.
One final thought - the sight-impaired
user made one very salient point – the phys-
ical PTT button on Network Radios is of
the hugest importance to people like him. 6
Pushing an on-screen PTT button can be Fig. 6: Dave G0PDL receives his trophy from Roger G4BBT. Fig. 7: The PTT is what we really, really, like!
fraught with problems - a physical one is G7DDN

much easier to use (Fig. 7).

Can we all perhaps remember this, espe- • The aforementioned TalkBack Screen Reader
cially when faced with ill thought-through – which allows you to interact with your de-
arguments people sometimes throw at NR vice by touch and spoken feedback – it de-
users along the likes of ‘it’s just a phone’… scribes your actions and tells you about alerts
and notifications
And That’s All Folks… • Display Tools - these make the display size
While it is foolish to predict anything with and font sizes larger – this can be done on
100% certainty, I am very hopeful next a temporary or permanent basis. There are
month of having an interview with one contrast and colour options too such as
of the leading lights in the International high-contrast text, colour inversion and col-
Radio Network (IRN) – well worth look- our correction.
ing forward to. • Interaction controls such as Voice Access
In the meantime, if you have any news, let you control your device with spoken com-
please get in touch via the email address at mands – you can even edit text hands-free!
the top of the column. Switch-Access lets you interact with Android
I am always interested to hear what you using switches or a keyboard.
have been up to in this exciting and growing • BrailleBack allows for a refreshable braille
part of the hobby. display to be connected via Bluetooth and it
And finally, on that point, did I forget to works in tandem with TalkBack for a combined
mention that the Network Radios Zello braille/speech experience
Channel 00 exceeded 5,000 trusted users • Captions – these can be turned on for
at the turn of the year and are now well over Closed Captioning
halfway towards the 6,000? • RTT – Real-time texting – where you can use
[As regards matters of safety and accessi- text to communicate during a call.
bility, please check out our new Emergency
Communications column in this issue of Table 1: The Key Features of the Android
RadioUser - Ed.]. 7 Accessibility Suite.

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RadioUser April 2019 53
Local Radio

Giving a Voice to the

Ribble Valley
The editor reports back from a recent visit to his local community radio
station, Ribble FM 106.7FM. The station is three years young and has
become a news hub and creator of local identity for the Ribble Valley.
1

Georg Wiessala streaming. The station went ‘live’ on 25th also clear that Ribble FM 106.7 has grown
[email protected] July 2016. Nearly three years later, it has an ever-expanding network of involve-
grown into a Community Media Association ment with schools and art groups, rele-
t was not the first time I had made

I
multi-award winning local broadcaster vant charities such as the Horse and Pony
the short trip from my home to beau- with a difference. Protection Association, the WI, and with The
tiful Clitheroe, in order to pay a visit https://www.commedia.org.uk Grand Venue, on whose premises the sta-
to a most remarkable local radio The station is the brainchild of founder tion has its HQ.
station. A short while ago, I had in- and owner Kath Lord-Green, who, in leading https://www.thegrandvenue.co.uk
troduced RadioUser to the region’s radio Ribble FM in its initial period, truly fulfilled her Lee was proud of the fact that, in con-
enthusiasts, during one of the shows on vision of radio ‘giving a voice to the Ribble junction with the station’s founder, he has
Ribble FM 106.7. Valley’. Two-and-a-half years later, current managed to find a balance between public
This time, however, my visit was more station manager Lee Roe develops this vi- success, community spirit, and a profession-
about the station, rather than this magazine, sion of ‘giving back to the region’ further. For al approach to everything the station does,
and this short article is the result of my tour Lee, the station is about the right balance from presentation to social media presence,
of the premises and my chat with the station between community orientation and com- and from business relations to education.
manager and presenters. mercial profile. Among the 280 CR stations in the UK,
Ribble FM 106.7 CIC is a multi-platform The former is evident in the very strong Ribble FM has been further recognised
community radio station, broadcasting to recognition the station has earned among through an award as a Social Enterprise of
the Ribble Valley, the UK and the World on the approximately 68,000 people who have the Year. It has built a sustainable mod-
FM, through an app, via social media and by made the Ribble Valley their home. It is el of combining business with public ap-

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54 RadioUser April 2019
 Local Radio

Fig. 1: Sophie Ahmed, presenting the Ribble

FM Brunch Show. Fig. 2: Jonny Green and Katie
Green, presenting the Ribble FM Breakfast Show.
Fig. 3: Kath Lord Green – station founder and
owner and Lee Roe – station manager.

peal ever since.

I was very interested to hear that the
station has its own, in-house training pro-
gramme for new presenters, designed for
newcomers to this world and providing peo-
ple of all ages with a host of interperson-
al, networking, outreach and presentational
skills to be used on radio, and to be carried
back to the communities where they are
needed. The circle between communities
and radio station is, therefore, complete; ‘giv-
ing-back’ works.
I looked around the studio and learned
that the station employs a microwave-link 3

between its main transmitter, one-quar-

ter of a mile away, and the studio, and that thing Ribble FM is strong at – and with pro- of what it takes to run community radio suc-
– given the geography of the Ribble Valley ducing, in the manager’s words, “real radio cessfully. My thanks go to Ribble FM 106.7
– ‘siting’ and ‘height’ are, naturally, very and real news for real people”. Living in these and the team for hosting me.
important issues. parts, I can see (or hear, rather) how this I feel certain that readers will join me in
Ribble FM offers shows on a wide array of works on a daily basis. wishing the team all the very best for the
topics, from music and business, news and Future plans for the station include future. Please get in touch with the station
traffic updates to agriculture, gardening and bringing community radio to other parts in Clitheroe, at:
culture. Above all, the station has become of Lancashire, and to other communi-
the ‘news-hub’ for the Ribble Valley. ties, and the acquisition of a SS DAB mux
Lee Roe (Station Manager)
Lee explained that – in a world of nation- to be set up collaboratively in the region
Tel.: 01200 407 373
alised news, it was important to him to offer with 20 channels.
E-mail: [email protected]
regional and local topics of interest. For me, I left Ribble FM with a sense of pride in liv-
www.ribblefm.com
this connects with local ‘identities’ – some- ing here, and with a deeper understanding

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RadioUser April 2019 55
Utility Monitoring

Ionosondes,
Nils Schiffhauer, DK8OK
[email protected]

f you regularly tune over the HF

I bands, you will have bumped into

some strange and enigmatic sig-
nals. You may consider ignor-
ing them, but most of them have
a specific meaning. Let’s have a look
Nostradamus
at some of them:

Ionosondes:
Analogue and Digital
In the old days of ‘legacy-receivers’, you
& Japanese
may occasionally have heard a sharp ‘whis-
tle’ – rising in USB, falling in LSB; or first
falling, then rising – tuning into a broad-
cast station in AM.
These signals can still be heard to-
Slot Machines
day, and they originate in analogue iono- In this month’s column, Nils Schiffhauer DK8OK
sondes. Their history is rooted in the pi-
oneering years of propagation science
tunes into signals and stations, which sound as if
in the mid-1920s. they might be are coming from other worlds. Some of
They basically consist of a transmitter, them retain their secrets, and some yield them.
continuously tuned across a wide band of
HF at a speed of, 100kHz per second or
more. Most transmitting antennas force this digital ionosondes, among them INGV-AIS
signal directly overhead. A synchronized re- from Italy, CADI from Canada, Dyansonde of
ceiver analyses the bounced-back signals to NOAA/USA and VIPIR/USA. The latter one
write a so-called ionogram. has visualized how the Space Shuttle mod-
On its way through the ionosphere, and ifies the ionosphere. Take a further look at
up to the highest frequency being just about the resources at the following URLs:
refracted, the once-clear signal undergoes https://tinyurl.com/y5svve6u
a couple of changes, like shifts in frequen- https://tinyurl.com/yxw28aja
cy and time, and is often split up into dif- All ionosondes – analogue as well as
ferent traces, representing different ways digital – show some particularities, in that
of propagation. they have ‘start’ and ‘stop’ frequencies. The
Robert Hunsucker has provided an over- stop frequency in incident sounders is lower,
view of all aspects of this technology in whereas oblique sounders often cover the
his book on Radio Techniques for Probing whole HF band and more. This is because 1
the Terrestrial Ionosphere (Springer, 1991). the lower the vertical beam angle of the an-
There still are several analogue iono- tenna is, the higher will be the frequency that formation for spies. They are often trans-
sondes around; they are active at different is just bounced back to Earth. mitted in five-figure groups of numbers in
speeds, mostly at 100kHz/second. They Furthermore, many ionosounders omit a variety of languages – as we have seen
draw an oblique line on the spectrograms of specific frequencies, for instance, those in this magazine last year (RadioUser May
your SDRs (Fig. 1). used for time signals. 2018: 47; June 2018: 46; July 2018: 12).
Peter Martinez, G3PLX, has written The Leibniz Institute at Juliusruh, on Some of them transmit a special ‘signature
software, which extracts the information Rügen Island in Germany, is using such tune’ or ‘’channel indicator. They have been
from such echoes and converts it into an a digital ionosonde but also probes given nicknames, such as Squeaky Wheel
ionogram. This technique requires GPS- the Mesosphere – at a height from 50 (now changed to a two-tone signal, 3828/
synchronisation of its 1pps signal. Pieter- to 90km – with an impulse sounder at night, 5473kHz/ day), The Pip (3756 kHz/
Tjerk de Boer at Twente University has im- around 3180kHz. night – Fig. 3 – and 5448 kHz/ day) or the
plemented this technology in his Web-SDR. Thanks to a transmit power of 64kW, notorious Buzzer on 4625 and 6998kHz.
Digital ionosondes have been on the air it is widely heard with pulses at different Locations, purpose and content of those
since the late 1960s. The most recent ver- kinds of distances: stations are often shrouded in some mys-
sion of a pioneering device, the Digisonde http://tinyurl.com/y473lv5q tery, and this has produced a rich literature.
4D, now steps through its range with short Among the more serious sources is Ary
digital pulses of 30kHz width, 16x33,3s Number Stations Boender’s page on Numbers and Oddities.
length, and with just 2x150W power. The im- It has also been proposed to use iono- More recently, direction-finding has un-
age in Fig. 2 shows an example. sondes to transmit intelligence messages. veiled at least some secrets. With the help
Besides Digisonde, there are also other HF is an ideal medium for broadcasting in- of the TDoA Module of the KiwiSDR Net,

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56 RadioUser April 2019
 Utility Monitoring

3 4
Fig.1: Two analogue ionosondes running diagonally
the Buzzer has been pinpointed to a lo- a video to show its general function. Like through the HF range around 14MHz. Fig. 2: A digital
cation south-west of Moscow; you can many OTHRs, this one is of the ‘sweeping’ ionosonde works with discrete steps of pulses and a
search Google Maps for ‘UVB-76 near type; the signal goes from the lower to the specific structure. Fig. 3: ‘The Pip’ is a signal, which
Naro-Fominsk’. upper limit of the channel, or vice versa. attracts conspiracy theories. Fig. 4: The unique 16
www.numbersoddities.nl NOSTRADAMUS features a sweep rate blocks of different sweep rates for the Australian
https://tinyurl.com/yxz2nacg of 30ms. An OTHR system analyses the re- Jindalee HF Radar are separated by a carrier of 200ms in
flected signals and compares them with the length – on the left, a sweep rate of 10Hz; on the right,
The Dispatcher Who Came in transmitted signal. Smart algorithms sepa- one of 4Hz.
from the Cold rate propagation effects and sea clutter out
Even many avid SWLs are not aware of a from the intended targets, which are planes technical data reveal usage from 4300 to
busy HF net of the Russian Railways, mainly and vessels. The 3D pictures produced are 5400, 11500 to 14000kHz and from 24
on 2130kHz with male and female voices the result of massive PC power and ingen- to 27MHz on HF.
and some signalling. Signals are specified ious design work. All military OTHRs change Despite their small antennas and their
as NFM, but some look more like AM. their frequency and other parameters ac- relatively low power, of rarely more than a
At a time when most other railways cording to their needs. NOSTRADAMUS 100W, their sweeping signal is a real pain to
communicate on VHF and UHF, Russian operates within a zone of one hop, or listeners in the 60m band.
Railways still uses this channel (and nearly 3,000km. http://tinyurl.com/yy48afk7
2150kHz), with a power of up to 10W over Other countries, like the UK (PLUTO, from https://tinyurl.com/y5fb5d9n
a range of ‘typically 10km’, mainly for dis- the Akrotiri Base on Cyprus), the USA, Russia https://tinyurl.com/y62m8kwn
patchers’ communications. For listen- (‘29B6’), China, and even Australia, have
ers in Western Europe, 2130 kHz sounds their own OTHR systems. Down Under, the Short Signals:
crowded during the hours of dawn and JINDLAEE system explicitly detects immi- Frequency-Hopping
dusk. Only rarely will you manage to pick grant vessels, thanks to its unique trans- Frequency hopping is a technique em-
up some distinctive words of Russian, like mission format of 16 blocks with a falling ployed to render communications more se-
names of cities. sweep rate, separated by a carrier of 200ms cure. It separates any digital content into
duration (Fig. 4). small chunks of only a few milliseconds
Over the Horizon: HF Radars While we find military OTHRs on many in duration and then scatters the pieces,
Even with fleets of spying satellites fly- (and ever-changing) frequencies, this is not like rice at a wedding, over a wide range of
ing over our heads each second, there still the case with (mostly) civilian OTHRs situ- channels. The receiver knows this pattern
seems the need for a radar looking ‘over the ated on sea shores to measure the height and is assembling all the pieces back to-
horizon’ – hence OTHR. One big installation of waves and the strength/direction of cur- gether. This technique has many fathers,
in Europa is NOSTRADAMUS, located 80km rents. CODAR is the leading producer of Marconi and Tesla among them, and one
west of Paris. The operators have produced sophisticated equipment in this area. The glorious mother, Hedy Lamarr. SWLs will

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RadioUser April 2019 57
Utility Monitoring

notice of this technique only by its char- There are so many ‘weird’ signals out there, that one
acteristic short blips. One exception is the
eight distinctive double-pulses to synchro- could easily write two books about them
nize Panther-H equipment of Racal-Thales.
If you see 2 x 8 bursts at about 100kHz dis- fences. Most of those sources just add to Help your neighbours to install WLAN
tance, you are witness to a duplex connec- the usual background of noise, raising it by too, if possible.
tion (Fig. 5). a few decibels. Moreover, there are – of all things – in-
https://tinyurl.com/ydhdn3n Some of them may be identified, such as dustrial plastic welding machines around.
Power Line Communications (PLC). PLC These may also transmit on HF, centred
And There is More technology transmits the internet via the around 6780, 13567, and 27120kHz. They
There are so many ‘weird’ signals out there, mains cables – not least on HF – making it are perfectly legal and can be received from
that one could easily write two books about into a good antenna. Even most certified de- nearly everywhere on the globe, thanks to
them – a bigger one, describing the signals, vices can block some amateur radio bands their HF power of tens of kW, propagation
and a smaller tome revealing organisations, and cover large parts of the entire spectrum permitting. However, these are restricted to
codes and locations. You will encounter sig- with nasty noise. a few dedicated ISM Channels, for industri-
nals which look funny like the Japanese Slot To address this, first, trace all sources of al, scientific and medical purposes on HF.
Machine on 6250kHz, South African’s Navy interference in your own house. Remember, All in all, it seems that, yet again, HF
with the Multi-Mode SAAB-Grintek Modem a device in ‘standby’ mode may well be a presents us with more things between
(6340 and 8603kHz), and many multi-fre- source of interference too. Change your Ionosphere and Earth, Horatio, than are
quency-shift-keyed signals (MFSK). PLC network to WLAN, where repeaters dreamt of in our philosophy. Apologies to
You may also hear some scrambled might give you the coverage you want. Shakespeare, for adapting Hamlet.
voice from the Austrian Federal Army at
UNIFIL Headquarters, in Lebanon or –
combined with an FSK signal – from other
points of the world.
One example is shown in Fig. 6. Here,
an analogue speech scrambler is com-
bined with clear voice and FSK data, both
carrying the code. There are mysteri-
ously channel markers of companies like
Kierans & Associates LLC, recently heard on
16985kHz. “Each signal is information”, as
Roland Proesch, the renowned technical au-
thor, says. And some may be even produced
by yourself or your neighbours.

HF from your Neighbourhood

All electronic devices are HF transmit-
ters. From your flat screen to its switching
power supply, to PCs and the controls for
someone’s solar power devices; even the
countryside is not a silent place any more,
with the ‘click-click’ emanating from electric Fig. 5: Two CODAR transmitters of different sweep directions and pulse lengths (left) are crossing out other signals.

Fig. 6: Scrambled voice is mixed with FSK data and a clear, computerised, voice (October 2018, 2406kHz).

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58 RadioUser April 2019
 Book Review

Taking on Hate, Delusion and

Prejudice on Talk Radio
David Harris to reinforce their moral positions.
mydogisfi[email protected] Another chapter is devoted to what O’Brien
calls ‘political correctness’ – a concept, which
This month, David Harris evaluates an is largely undefinable, yet exists in the minds
important book reflecting contemporary of his numerous bigoted callers. He attempts
levels of hate and prejudice in British to get callers to define what they mean; how-
society. It was written by an author who ever, in each case, no one can come up with a
encounters extremist views in his eve- rational explanation about what they oppose.
ryday talk radio work. The author then examine feminism, looking
at the fact that women continue to be victims
This is a ‘state-of-the-nation’ book, which of sexual harassment, of both a physical and
holds up a mirror to contemporary British so- a verbal nature. Many callers seem to think
ciety. What is reflected back is a disturbing that some women are not bothered by this
picture of racism, Islamophobia, homopho- sort of behaviour, which was once common
bia, misogyny, prejudice and ignorance. but is now less frequent, but just as offensive.
The man holding up the mirror is radio talk Perhaps the most thought-provoking chap-
show host, James O’Brien (b. 1972) who, for ter is devoted to ‘nanny states’ and ‘clas-
the last 14 years, has hosted phone-in pro- sical liberals.’
grammes on LBC. Here, the author cites the growing prob-
The station broadcasts on 97.3MHz lems caused by free-market policies, as op-
FM in the London area, and on DAB to posed to state intervention. According to the
most of the UK. argument here, fixed-odds betting termi-
James is a person of liberal views, who nals and sugar tax are two examples where
– on a daily basis – confronts callers, many James O’Brien the state has had to rein back an unfettered
of whom have offensive opinions. He sees How to be Right - In a World Gone Wrong market, for the sake of the health and wel-
his role as to try to understand why peo- W.H. Allen 2018. 224 pp. hbk. £12.99 fare of citizens.
ple hold extreme views and to defuse some ISBN 9780753553091 O’Brien also looks at the age gap in soci-
of the - frequently very irrational - view- www.penguin.co.uk ety and examines how ‘Millennials’ (those
points put to him born between 1981 and 2000) will struggle to
He suggests that certain parts of the tab- further fans the fires of hatred. buy a house or achieve the level of prosperity
loid press are responsible for the scaremon- The defining issue of today in the UK is achieved by their parents.
gering that stokes up such hatred, particularly ‘Brexit’: For the last two years, this has been a Partly, this is due to the rise of the ‘gig-
amongst the ignorant. He also suggests that big topic on his radio show. O’Brien continu- economy’ in which many people have a rather
some people actually enjoy being frightened ally questions ‘pro-Brexit’ callers about what dubious ‘self-employed’ status, which gives
and need some minority group to vent their it was that they thought they were voting for, them no employment rights and no minimum
prejudice against. He likens this to the fact and which aspects of the EU they wanted wage. It is also owing to the fact that the ra-
that “it has always been easier and more lu- the UK to abandon. He suggests that racism tio of average house prices to average wages
crative to sell tickets for the ghost train than was behind the motivation of many Brexit has doubled within a generation. This fact
for the speak-your-weight machine”. Each voters whose hatred is directed at people seems not to have been grasped by many
chapter of the book addresses a particular of Asian origin, and not just those who are callers who see young people as ‘self-ob-
form of prejudice, and the author uses tran- EU co-citizens. sessed snowflakes’, who spend their money
scripts from phone-ins to demonstrate the He makes the very valid point that, over on smartphones.
irrational, poorly thought-out, views of many the last few decades, there has always been In the final chapter, O’Brien examines what
of his callers. a ‘hate group’ in the UK. At one stage, these is, arguably, the most controversial figure
He begins with Islam, which, since ‘9/11’, were, for instance, single parents, welfare of the Twenty-First Century: US President
has become the main target of prejudice benefit claimants and gays. Donald Trump. The way in which any critical
in the UK. Many callers see all Muslims as One could extend this argument back into statement about him can be dismissed as
somehow being complicit in Islamic-inspired the twentieth century when Jews, Irish and ‘fake news’ leads the author to suggest that
terrorism. This situation, along with most oth- black people all were victims of prejudice “the liars have the loudest voices”.
er bias, is inflamed through the media and the and hatred. He then moves on to the subject This book is highly recommended to any-
unregulated internet. O’Brien suggests that of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgen- one with an interest in talk radio, contem-
people have lost the desire to question what der people (LGBT). The author reports that porary politics, and to those learning how to
they are being told. Anyone can post untruths many callers see homosexuality as a lifestyle- reason with the prejudiced – something we
on the internet and create a ‘following’, which choice, and that some cite Biblical references all need to do.

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RadioUser April 2019 59
Software-Defined Radio

Using SDR for Amateur

Radio Astronomy
Andrew Barron looks into the fascinating world of amateur radio astronomy,
discovering how you can use an SDR receiver to explore the ‘radio sky’.
WIKIPEDIA

Andrew Barron
[email protected]

D
esigning a ‘backyard’ radio as-
tronomy telescope around a
software-deined radio receiv-
er is a bit like saying “right I’ve
got the wheels, what else do
I need to complete my new car?” Sure, an
SDR is a useful component, but you need a
lot more. However, SDR receivers can con-
tribute many useful features to the radio
astronomy hobby.
The waterfall display, for example, can
reveal weak signals, the wide bandwidth
can be helpful, and the integration of the
SDR software with spectrum analysis
tools and data logging software is easier
than using cables.
Some SDR receivers can cover all the
common radio astronomy frequencies
from the VLF (very low frequency) obser- Fig.1: The 305-metre Arecibo Observatory Radio Telescope; the world’s second biggest single-aperture telescope.
vations up to ‘Hydrogen Line’ observations
at 1420.405 MHz. day. Microwave radio frequencies can also https://tinyurl.com/yxutpcop
penetrate the large clouds of interstellar Almost all amateurs begin their radio
Size Matters cosmic dust that are opaque to visible light. astronomy activities by detecting the Sun.
It is true that, in radio astronomy, size re- This is easy to do. The next goal might be to
ally does matter. Most people associate Patience Required detect Jupiter. Access to larger and more
radio astronomy with huge dishes, such as Radio astronomy is not for those who want sophisticated radio telescopes may well
the 305-metre dish at Arecibo, Puerto Rico, ‘instant’ results. Generally speaking, it in- lead to observing a supernova remnant,
or the 64-metre Parkes dish in Australia volves recording radio signal levels con- such as Cassiopeia. It is possible for the
(Figs. 1 and 2). tinuously, or at regular intervals, for long amateur to make observations using an old
However, you can have a lot of fun with periods of time, waiting for a solar lare, a C band (4–8GHz) satellite TV antenna with
a small backyard radio telescope, and you storm on Jupiter or the transit of the Sun or a diameter of a few meters. These old dish-
can contribute to scientiic discovery using the Milky Way (Galactic Plane) across the es are obsolete now; if you see one, there is
one. With a small dish, you won’t be able to sky as the Earth rotates. And, if you are a a good chance that the owner might give it
‘see’ distant galaxies and stars, but there are ‘Flat-Earth’ believer, then radio astronomy is away or sell it to you cheap. You might even
some studies that you can make. You don’t not for you either! Many in the hobby com- have one in your back garden that needs
necessarily need a dish antenna either. munity use the well-known Radio-Sky Pipe ‘re-purposing’.
Some astronomy work can be done using II software by Radio Sky Publishing for this
simple wire HF (high frequency) antennas part of the hobby. This is a data logger that An ‘Itty Bitty’ Little Telescope
or VLF (very low-frequency) loop antennas. can display your received signal level – or You can get away with using an even small-
One advantage of radio astronomy, over other data – accumulated over a long time er Sky TV dish. The Itty Bitty Telescope
observing using optical telescopes, is that period: Hours or even days. Project is based around phenomena, such
measurements do not have to be done on www.radiosky.com/skypipeishere.html as detecting the Sun, which you can ob-
clear nights. At microwave frequencies, PowerSDR mRX, used with Apache Labs serve with a very small dish. This pro-
radio waves penetrate the Earth’s atmos- and Open HPSDR radios, also has a radio ject uses a cheap ‘satellite inder’. It sim-
phere, irrespective of clouds or the time of astronomy data capture mode. ply measures the down-converted signal

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60 RadioUser April 2019
 Software-Defined Radio

ATNF

Fig. 2: The Parkes Radio Telescope, Star of the Movie The Dish.

level from the standard 12.2GHz TV LNB, nobody is allowed to transmit on that fre- (23’ 3”) dipoles, spaced 6.1m (20’) apart.
mounted on the dish. However, you could quency, as it is reserved for scientiic ob- The Radio Jove Project antenna and ‘ra-
substitute an SDR receiver tuned to a fre- servation. If you point your dish antenna, or dio telescope’ can be purchased as a
quency within the 950–1450MHz band 21cm Yagi array, at the Milky Way, you will kit for about $125USD, or you can order
of the LNB output, which would create an see an increase in the 1420.405MHz signal, it pre-assembled.
easy way of getting the data into the PC for as the antenna moves from cold intergalac- NASA started the Radio Jove Project to
analysis (Fig. 3). tic space across the Galactic Plane (Fig. 5). monitor the Jovian system, and it is still
The SDR waterfall shows the increase gathering and analysing the data from
in noise as the dish is panned across the By Jove! Radio Astronomy hundreds of sites around the world, to try
Sun (Fig. 4). on the 15m Ham Band? to have a detailed understanding of the
The Radio Jove Project monitors the storms source of the radio waves. You can receive
The Hydrogen Line of Jupiter, solar activity, and the galac- two kinds of signal from Jupiter: ‘L-bursts’
Hydrogen atoms randomly emit photons tic background noise. The measurements sound like waves (of static) crashing on
at a wavelength of 21cm (1420.4058MHz). can be done between approximately 15 a beach, and ‘S-bursts’ are a fast series
Normally, a single hydrogen atom will rarely and 39.5 MHz; most observers listen in of ‘scratches’ or ‘pops’ on an otherwise
emit a photon. However, since space and at around 20MHz. quiet background.
the galaxy is illed with many hydrogen at- This frequency is close to the 15m ama- If you listen to the HF bands regular-
oms, the average effect is an observable RF teur band. Therefore, if you have an amateur ly, it is quite likely that you will have heard
power spike at 1420.4058MHz. By pointing band Yagi aerial, it is ideal. these signals before and just assumed that
a radio telescope at the night sky, a power You could also use a CB anten- they were of terrestrial origin. The S-bursts
spike indicating the hydrogen line can be na at 27MHz, or a ham band 10m an- sound a little like car ignition interference
observed in a frequency spectrum plot. tenna at 28-29MHz. from a car that is only idling. You can listen
Because of the ‘unwanted noise’ at Many people use a phased wire dipole to the sounds of Jupiter by clicking the links
1420.405MHz, commercial satellite opera- array, which can easily be constructed for under the charts on the website here:
tors have always avoided using it. In fact, a few pounds. It consists of two 7.09m https://tinyurl.com/y64c43e6

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RadioUser April 2019 61
Software-Defined Radio

Solar Observations
Using the same equipment, you can ob-
serve solar noise bursts, caused by solar
lares and storms. These are indicated by
a fairly sudden increase in the background
noise level. This takes ive seconds or so,
and then slowly decays over thirty or forty
seconds. Again, if you didn’t know what
you were listening to, you would proba-
bly just consider it to be some random in- Telescope
crease in ‘noise.’
Galactic background noise is the ‘hiss’
you hear when your receiver is connect-
ed to an antenna but not tuned to a sta-
tion. Radio astronomy was born when Karl
Jansky (1905-1950) discovered that the
background noise peaked when the anten-
na was oriented in the direction of the cen-
tre of our galaxy.
Radio noise storms from Jupiter some-
times last a couple of hours. The occur-
rence of storms that can be detected from
the Earth is related to which part of Jupiter’s
surface is facing Earth, as well as the lo-
cation of the moon Io in its orbit around
Jupiter. The Radio Jupiter Pro software,
Automatic control, timing and Sat inder
available from the link at the end of this arti- data recording system
cle, calculates of these factors for you and
predicts when Jupiter storms are likely to
be observable on Earth.
How do you know if the signal is com-
ing from Jupiter? Jovian signals are wide- 3

band signals. Tune your receiver a little. If STARGAZING.NET

the noise is local, it will disappear as you Radio Astronomy Using Signals
tune. Regarding the wider context of these for Submarines.
signals, Jon Wallace and Richard Flagg The SuperSID Monitor allows observers to
wrote in 2010: “In 1955, mysterious sig- collect real data, measuring disturbances
nals from space were discovered by radio in the ionosphere resulting from solar ac-
astronomers at the Carnegie Institution of tivity. ‘SID’ stands for Sudden Ionospheric
Washington, DC. Some thought the signals Disturbance. This is a great project if you
were local interference, perhaps a noisy igni- have limited space, as the antenna does
tion system of a pickup truck, whose driver not have to be very large. SuperSID takes
was returning home from a late night date. signal measurements from VLF transmit- 4

However, the analysis revealed that the plan- ters at very low frequencies between 15 Fig. 3: Joachim Köppen from Strasbourg carrying
et Jupiter was in the beam of the Mills Cross and 3 kHz. It observes the effect that any out observation of the sun with his 80cm dish and
antenna each time that the signals were changes in the Ionosphere have on the a SatFinder. Fig. 4: The yellow band in the bottom
heard. Unlike many radio astronomy dish an- propagation between the VLF signal trans- blue spectrogram window is the 6dB rise in signal
tennas, the huge Mills Cross comprised over mitter and your location. strength as the radio dish is panned across the Sun.
100 dipoles strung between wooden poles At its most basic, an LF loop antenna
planted in a Maryland ield. The dipoles were made from around 40 turns of insulated play a spectrum and waterfall display, as
phased, to produce a narrow, steerable, single conductor or heavy transformer well as piping the data to a data logger.
pencil-thin beam some 2.5º in width. That wire, wound around a 1m wooden frame, You can send your captured data to the
is an amazingly narrow beam, considering is connected to a preampliier and then University of Stanford database at this URL:
the operating frequency was 22.2MHz. Ever linked directly to a standard PC sound- http://www.radio-astronomy.org/node/210
since this accidental discovery, researchers card, which performs the analogue-to-dig- The SID network focuses on the
have aimed shortwave antennas at Jupiter ital conversion. detection of solar-induced ionospheric
as they attempted to understand the source The output is captured using Spectrum disturbances. A centralized database gives
of these powerful signals.” [From: Amateur Lab, Spectran or Radio-Sky Pipe software. access to all participants. On the website,
Radio Astronomy Projects—Radio Signals For more versatility, you could use an SDR the science is described like this: “Earth’s
from Jupiter’, by Jon Wallace and Richard like the SDRplay RSP-1A or RSPduo; these ionosphere reacts strongly to the intense
Flagg, QEX Magazine May/June 2010.] will work down to 1kHz, and they will dis- X-ray and ultraviolet radiation released by

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62 RadioUser April 2019
 Software-Defined Radio

DAVID MORGAN

FCD 1420.4MHz Signal strength recording signals off them to achieve long distance
communication (see Practical Wireless,
March 2019: 18-19). Distances of more
than 2,000 km are achievable in this way.
Signal Level dB (0.1 dB/div)

The radio signal is not actually relected

off the meteor. It is relected off the ionised
trail left behind, as the meteor disturbs
the air while travelling at thousands of
kilometres per hour. Depending on the size
and speed of the meteor, the frequency of
the radio signal, and several other factors,
the trail left by a typical meteor can relect
radio waves for a few seconds up to a few
minutes. The duration is very frequency
dependent. At frequencies between 28 and
50 MHz, an active meteor trail can sustain
propagation for thirty seconds to several
Start Time End minutes. At 144 MHz, the same meteor will
only allow communication for a maximum
Fig. 5: Increase in noise at 1420.4MHz, as the antenna passes through the Galactic Plane. of sixty seconds and most ‘pings’ last
less than ive seconds. At 400 MHz, the
the Sun during solar events, and by lightning signals for E.T. Therefore, to detect very propagation will only last a second or two.
during thunderstorms. Students track weak signals from deep space, we need Because the communication period
these sudden ionospheric disturbances by a quiet band. Most SETI seekers choose available is usually only a few seconds, fast
using a pre-amp and sound card to monitor to listen on the 1420MHz Hydrogen data modes, such as MSK144 developed by
the signal strength from distant very low Line frequency. Joe Taylor K1JT, are used in this area. If you
frequency (VLF) transmitters, signals You will need a fairly large, 3-5m dish are listening for meteor scatter signals, the
sent by nations to communicate with their – bigger is better. Old C-band satellite TV short bursts of signal from remote stations
submarines. Data show unusual changes as dishes are ideal. Since these dishes were often sound like ‘pings.’ The morning hours
the waves bounce off the ionosphere during designed for 3-8GHz, you will need to make are usually the best for meteor-scatter work
these disturbances.” your own ‘feed’ and downconverter. because the velocity of the Earth’s rotation
https://tinyurl.com/y2jq3k38 Some SDRs can cover 1420MHz. In that increases the effective velocity of inbound
The problem with this technique – at case, you need a ‘feed’ and a low noise meteors, and they leave a stronger trail of
least in my part of the world (New Zealand) ampliier with a very low noise igure. The ionised particles.
is that we don’t have any VLF beacons to ‘feed’ is the antenna that goes to the focal During meteor showers such as the
use as a reference for the measurements. point of the dish. The dish itself is only Leonids (17th to 19th November), Geminids
a relector, designed to focus received (13th to 15th December), Perseids (12th
E.T. - Phone Home! signals onto the ‘feed point,’ (focal point). August), and so on, there may be many
Another use for your radio telescope is The purpose of the PC is to run the meteors. On the trails of these, sustained
the search for extra-terrestrial intelligence SETI software, which recognizes ET amid communications with modes like SSB can
(SETI). There are billions of galaxies the cosmic din. The software uses DSP be attained. Amateur radio astronomers
and hundreds of billions of stars and noise reduction techniques to isolate can use their stations to detect meteors,
planets. Perhaps one of them is sending periodic repeating signals, like speech or by listening for ‘meteor pings’ of signals
signals our way. data, and reject non-periodic, incoherent, from stations that are well outside
However, with so many directions to signals such as noise. All radio astronomy of normal range.
search, a large team is needed to listen is a waiting game, but this one requires These are, most commonly, FM
to even the most likely regions of the sky. even more patience. broadcast stations, at a distance of
In addition to this, interstellar signals https://tinyurl.com/jf6squ7 1,000km or more.
will be so weak that our eyes and ears
will never recognize them. The most we Meteor Pings
can hope for is to detect some order in Every November, the Earth passes through
the cosmic chaos. the orbital path of Comet 55P/Tempel- Resources
Therefore, SETI looks for patterns, which Tuttle. Like many comets, Tempel-Tuttle • Radio Jove Project: https://radiojove.gsfc.nasa.gov
could not have been produced by any litters its orbit with bits of debris. When this • Graham-Smith, F. (2020): Unseen Cosmos: The
natural mechanism. These hallmarks of comet matter enters Earth’s atmosphere Universe in Radio (Oxford: OUP)
artiiciality are evident to computers, and and vaporises, we see the Leonid meteor • Lashley J. (2010): The Radio Sky and How to
Observe It (Springer)
your home computer can be used to sift shower. These few days, around November
• Oliver, K. (2015) Discovering Creation (Sky at Night
through the cosmic static in search of E.T. 18th, are the best time for detecting Magazine, May 2015)
Many microwave frequencies are in meteors, but meteors are striking the • O’Sullivan, S. (2014) Monitoring the Sun Using VLF
use, either on Earth or between satellites Earth all the time. (RadioUser, April 2014: 54-57)
and Earth. We don’t want to mistake these Amateur radio operators bounce VHF

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RadioUser April 2019 63
Radio History

Joseph Henry
The editor sheds some light on the life and work of the US electrical
pioneer and science communicator Joseph Henry (1797-1878), a
contemporary of Michael Faraday.

Georg Wiessala Like Faraday, Henry was working against strong emphasis on the American’s ‘inter-
[email protected] the background of the big philosophical de- active’ skills, in particular, his abilities to
bates and the milestone electromagnetic teach, instruct and communicate.

J
oseph Henry lived and worked discoveries of the time. Joseph Henry was The author even goes as far as claiming
approximately at the same time a ‘natural philosopher’ – we would refer to that the instruction methodologies Henry
as Michael Faraday (1791- 1867, him as a ‘scientist’ today – an avid experi- employed with his students would not be
RadioUser, January 2019: 46). menter, and gifted lecturer, educator of the out of place in modern science classrooms.
However, it seems that Henry is, young, and a science-communicator. He may well be correct.
by and large, the lesser-known igure in the In his insightful writings on Joseph A very short, and, by necessity incom-
history of radio. Henry, Bodanis (2005; 15-20) has placed a plete, picture of the era in which men like

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64 RadioUser April 2019
 Radio History

Henry lived is framed by wider debates

about what ‘electromagnetism’ and ‘elec-
tricity’ actually were (a ‘wave’, a ‘ield’, a
‘vital force’, a ‘nervous luid’?) by specula-
tions about ‘empty’ space and ‘actions at a
distance’, and by the concomitant religious,
metaphysical, medical, cultural and political
currents, which both inlamed and accom-
panied those disputes.
Perhaps the most signiicant develop-
ment of the times was the overall paradigm-
shift in science, from metaphysical specula-
tion to the scientiic method and managed
experiments (Szydło, 2017: 50).

Somewhat of an Early Spark

Any wire loop carrying a current produc-
es a magnetic ield, acting through the
loop. As many radio enthusiasts know, the
number of units of electromotive force
generated in the loop, when the current
changes at a rate of one unit per second,
is called the self-inductance of the loop. It
is measured in henry (H) and named after by no means a profound work, has, under ting edge of scientiic progress: As the irst
Michael Faraday’s contemporary Joseph Providence, exerted a remarkable inluence Secretary of the newly-formed Smithsonian
Henry (Moyer, 1997). on my life. It accidentally fell into my hands Institution (from 1846) he was called upon
http://tinyurl.com/y7zd2boo when I was about sixteen years old and was almost daily to screen and evaluate sci-
Joseph Henry, the American physicist, the irst book that I ever read with attention. entiic and technical proposals from out-
teacher, irst director of the Smithsonian It opened to me a new world of thought and side investigators.
Institution and Secretary of its predeces- enjoyment; invested things before almost Many of these investigators came from
sor (the National Institute for the Promotion unnoticed with the highest interest; ixed the ‘fringes’ of the scientiic community, or
of Science) did, in fact, discover induction my mind on the study of nature and caused beyond, and many favoured ideas which de-
a few months before Faraday. However, in me to resolve at the time of reading it that I viated from the orthodoxy of the time.
one of the ironies of radio history, he chose would immediately commence devoting my Signiicantly, Henry uncovered the laws
not to go public at the time (Mahon, 2004: life to the acquisition of knowledge.” upon which the transformer is based. He
199, Fn. 2 to Ch. 8). http://tinyurl.com/y49s3x23 discovered self-induction, and it is said
Henry, born in Albany, New York, on 17th that he designed the world’s irst power-
December 1797, became world-famous Daring to Deviate from Scientific ful electromagnet, by winding a coil of wire
as a pioneering researcher in magnetism, Orthodoxy around an iron bar.
electromagnetism and many other areas. For much of the second half of the 1800s, He went on to pioneer electromechanical
The story goes that one of the tenants in Henry was easily America’s most renowned relays in 1835, making telegraphy over long
his mother’s house gave young Joseph scientist. In 1832, he built one of the irst distances more practical (Mahon, 2004:
a book with the catchy title: Lectures on machines to employ the force of electro- 116, 199). This allowed Samuel Morse
Experimental Philosophy, Astronomy and magnetism for the purposes of motion. (1791-1872), who Henry was in regular
Chemistry, Intended Chiely for the Use He investigated the temperature of sun- touch with, to devise the telegraph.
of Young People. spots and became a forerunner of space Many others argue that it was Henry him-
It appears that this got him hooked and weather studies. self, who, in fact, was the inventor of the
in 1837, he annotated the volume with the These considerable achievements aside, telegraph (Bodanis, 2005: 19; Hochfelder,
following comments: “This book, although Henry frequently worked at the very cut- 2010). Perhaps most famously, Henry built

Benjamin Franklin 1706-1790 Positive and Negative Electric Charge Édouart Branly 1844-1940 Radio Conductor/ Coherer
Luigi Galvani 1737-1798 Animal Electricity, Medical Electricity Oliver Lodge 1851-1940 Electromagnetic Waves
Alessandro Volta 1745-1827 Electric Battery Voltaic Pile Joseph John Thomson 1856-1940 Electron
Hans Christian Ørsted 1777-1851 Electromagnetism Nikola Tesla 1856-1943 AC Motor, Tesla Coil, Radio Transmission
Michael Faraday 1791-1867 Mutual Induction, Electric Motor, Magnetic Field Heinrich Hertz 1857-1894 Radio Transmission
Joseph Henry 1797-1878 Induction, Electro-Magnets Jagadish Chandra Bose 1858-1937 Microwaves, Semiconductors, Crystal Detector
Heinrich Rühmkorff 1803-1877 Induction Coils The Rühmkorff-Coil Alexander Popov 1859-1906 Radio Transmission
Heinrich Geissler 1814-1879 Gas Discharge Tube Reginald Fessenden 1866-1932 Radio, voice transmission, sonar
Mahlon Loomis 1826-1886 Aerial Telegraph Radio Transmission Guglielmo Marconi 1874-1937 Radio Transmission
James Clerk Maxwell 1831-1879 Theory of Radio Waves Ernst Alexanderson 1878-1975 Alexanderson Alternator/ VLF Transmitter

Table 1: The RadioUser Timeline of Electrical Pioneers and Inventions (simpliied, in order of DOB).

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RadioUser April 2019 65
Radio History

an electromagnet for Yale College, which

was able to support 2,063 pounds – a world
record at the time
http://tinyurl.com/y68txe3l

High-Profile Appointments and

Discoveries
Henry was appointed to the Chair of
Natural Philosophy at the College of New
Jersey (Princeton University) and his tour
of Europe in 1837 further extended his
international reputation in science. Like
Faraday, Henry actively participated – and
often led – prestigious American scientiic
societies, including the National Academy
of Science and the US Lighthouse Board.
The Smithsonian Institution describes
Henry as follows: “Henry was a pioneer in
the study of electromagnetism and its use
in a variety of technologies and was a tire-
less advocate for American science at home
and abroad. For 32 years Henry focused his
energies on establishing the Smithsonian
as a great research centre, despite the chal-
lenges of the Civil War. Today, his efforts
are marked with a statue outside of the
Smithsonian Castle, the irst building in the
Institution he helped create.”

The Legacy of Henry

While Michael Faraday buttressed Henry’s
appointment as the irst Smithsonian
Secretary, the American strode out con-
idently by himself and achieved high
fame. He did so, despite a disadvan-
taged upbringing, poverty and challeng- electricity through induction (relying on
ing family background. Lacking a formal magnetism, rather than the chemical action Further Reading
education, he was taken into an apprentice- of batteries) had far-reaching consequenc- Bodanis, D. (2005) Electric Universe (New York:
ship when young. es for the electriication and public lighting
Three Rivers Press)
From humble beginnings, he became in many American and European cities.
Cantor, G. Gooding, D.; James, F.R.J.L.
an eminent scholar, with a strong religious As to the characters, achievements and
Michael Faraday (Palgrave Macmillan, 1991)
background. Remind you of someone? different working preferences of the two
Michael Faraday’s background exhibits men, G.S. Smith shall have the inal word for Cantor, G. (2016) Michael Faraday: Sandemanian and
many of the same features. Glenn S. Smith now: “In a comparison of their work in the Scientist […] (Palgrave Macmillan, 1993)
(2017: 16) has argued that the work of same ield, it cannot be doubted that, while Coulson, Thomas (1950) Joseph Henry: His Life and
these two geniuses will always be linked they were both industrious and successful Work (Princeton University Press)
because of their (co-) discovery of electro- in devising experiments and in the collection Forbes, N. and Mahon, B. (2014) Faraday, Maxwell
magnetic induction. of facts, Faraday had the higher order of the and the Electromagnetic Field […] (Prometheus Books)
http://tinyurl.com/ydfvmu22 scientiic mind. His thoughts ran naturally to Freeberg, E. (2013) The Age of Edison (Penguin)
The two met during Henry’s research visit generalisation. Henry was no generaliser. Hamilton, J. (2002) Faraday: The Life (Harper Collins)
to Europe in 1837 and corresponded, oc- “There is nothing in his work similar to
Hochfelder, D. (2000) Joseph Henry – Inventor of the
casionally, from this time onwards. The let- Faraday’s laws of electrochemistry or to
Telegraph? (Smithsonian Institution Archives)
ters, which passed between the two men his description of the magnetic or electric
James, F.A.J.L. (2010) Michael Faraday: A Very Short
of science can now be seen at the Royal ield lines of force. Neither in quantity or
Institution, in the Smithsonian Institution quality does Henry’s work rank equal to that Introduction (Oxford University Press)
Archives and, of course, online. of Faraday. Yet he was an investigator of -- (1991-2012) The Correspondence of M Faraday (6
http://tinyurl.com/yxslwr7u pronounced ability and deserves a distin- vols., Institution of Engineering and Technology)
http://tinyurl.com/yxmojer7 guished place among the experimental phi- Moyer, A.E. (1997) Joseph Henry – The Rise of
Freeman points out, in The Age of Edison losophers by whom the science of electricity an American Scientist (Studies in the History
(2013: 17), that the invention, by Faraday and magnetism advanced.” of Film and TV) .
and Henry, of the principle of generating Henry has earned his place in history.

For the latest news and product reviews, visit www.radioenthusiast.co.uk

66 RadioUser April 2019
 RSGB SHOP
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Feedback Your letters to the editor

Feedback
Have you got something new to tell our readers about? If so, then drop a line to [email protected]

SOURCE: CLIVE KILGALLEN, EI2HHB

Our reader Clive Kilgallen, EI2HHB, wrote people’s opinions are. Having owned the
7.10am/pm Malin Head 1677
in to Utility Monitoring columnist Nils Inrico TM7 and the SenHaix N60, which
Schiffhauer and said, “ Dear Nils, thank seem to me to be superior to the TeloM5. 7.10am/pm Shetland 1770
you for your article in this recent issues of Obviously, this is just my opinion but having 7.10am/pm Stornoway 1743
RadioUser. I live close to the north-western owned three network radios, I think I can 7.10am/pm Falmouth 1880
seaboard, near Sligo In Ireland. Listening be a little judgmental. If you need any 7.30 Aberdeen 2226
to marine MF is one of my most enjoyable information on the Telo M5 I will be more 7.50 Humber 1925
pastimes, especially in the cold and windy than willing to assist.”
8.10 Belfast 1883
winter, with the ire on. Particularly when
8.33 Malin Head 1677
the amateur radio bands are dead. I mainly Chris Rolison replied as follows: “Hello
get Ireland, the UK, France, Spain, Belgium, John, I am very pleased to let you know 10.30 Valentia 1752
in terms of MF Coastguard stations. that there is indeed going to be a review 10.30 Oostende 2761
However, last night, I picked up Canada on on the Telo M5 in RadioUser - I am actually 10.30 Lyngby 1734, 1758
2538khz. I have not heard many of the UK writing it this very week after living with it
or Belfast stations in a while, but Aberdeen for a while. With luck, it should hit the May
and Humber I can receive well. Sometimes, edition [yes, it will – Ed.]. I also own the ago about short wave radio in my tractor.
I have emailed the coast guard stations TM7 so have a reference point to compare I have just read your International Radio
with my signal reception report and have it. I wonder what it was speciically that Scene column in the January 2019 issue
had some very nice replies. A sad loss to you were not impressed with? I have a few of RadioUser, and I may be able to shed a
marine MF is the loss of the Arklow shipping caveats about it, but in general, I ind it a bit of light on the “slight mystery”. I believe
company that used to call on 2311kHz. I very capable radio and am sure it would be Lionel heard communication on the HF
did not hear of them for a while, and I rang a great addition to a shack especially. Pick Oceanic airband frequencies. The number
the ofice in Arklow. They have moved to up the May edition to read my thoughts and that immediately jumped out at me was
satellite e-mail. Valentia and Malin Head that of our testing team!” 5649kHz, which various ground stations,
stations do send out weather reports and notably Shanwick, use to speak to aircraft
warnings for vessels, but they seem to be Paulo T Castro, PU2RDX, from Brazil, lying across the Atlantic Ocean.
variable from day to day. wrote to Keith Rawlings, our Aerials The ‘beep’, ‘beep’ noises heard could
I listen with an end fed vertical antenna Now contributor, with the following well be the Selcall tones which are allotted
and my ICOM 7700, which clears up noise suggestion: “Hello Keith, how are things? I to each aircraft and another clue is the
very well. Here is my personal list with local wish everything and everyone there is very comment “higher level available, is that
stations and some transmission times:” well. Just to complete the previous e-mail, correct...?” I assume that Lionel heard
another thing that you, with your knowledge this between 4650 and 4700kHz, which
Nils Schiffhauer replied as follows: “ and experience, can perhaps help us with: is in the civil aeronautical band. Funnily
Dear Clive - thank you very much for your Maybe you will want to, one day, unlock enough, I heard Icelandic Radio on 4675kHz
email, which I appreciated very much! the secrets behind isolation transformers, only this last Sunday (6th January 2019)
Congratulation on you Canadian reception! galvanic isolators and common mode I have listened to HF Oceanic trafic for
You should have a by far better shot at them chokes, to help us ight against interference. many years now, and I feel certain that the
than me from near Hanover, in the lowlands Just an idea for your future columns.” communications heard here were from
of Germany. Their signals are somewhat aircraft.
weak here. Many thanks for your e-mail to Keith, Other useful airband frequencies you
Thanks for your list of stations heard. Paulo, and for the previous ones too. I am could try are 5598, 5616, 8879, 8891,
Yes, operation times, and the operation happy that you are enjoying the magazine and 8864kHz, as well as RAF Volmet on
itself can be somewhat erratic. At least, and its balance of articles, for novice and 5450kHz, and Shannon Volmet on 5505kHz.
winter is a good time to go for more of those advanced user alike. The battle against These contain basically weather forecasts
frequencies! Good luck, good DX and 73: interference is an ongoing one, and Keith for various airields and airports. Finally,
Nils, DK8OK.” aims to devote space to this topic in my I must say I do enjoy your columns in
forthcoming columns. In the meantime, RadioUser. Best regards Roger Burchell.”
Reader John Yarnall, M1AUN NR 345, please enjoy the radio hobby, tell all your
wrote to our Network Radio columnist, radio friends over there about RadioUser; Dear Roger, many thanks for your e-mail
Chris Rolinson, asking, “Good afternoon, I stay in touch with us – Ed./KR. and for those frequencies, they form a
was just wondering whether there is going staple of my HF airband listening too.
to be a review of the Telo M5 network radio. Roger Burchell wrote to Chrissy Brand Thank you also for the kind words about
I have owned one, and I was not impressed to say, “Hello Chrissy, my name is Roger Chrissy’s column and RadioUser – [Ed./
at all. It would be nice to see what other Burchell and I e-mailed you some time CB.].

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68 RadioUser April 2019
Devon
DealerGuide
For Sale For Sale
Zeacombe House, Blackerton Cross, East Anstey, MICROPHONES & ACCESSORIES. Replacement VINTAGE FIREWORK COLLECTOR Do not light the
Tiverton, Devon, EX16 9JU microphones for a wide range of transceivers. Cables blue touch paper and burn British Heritage, private
Phone/Fax - 01202 490099 for Heil and studio microphones, headsets and mixers, collector will pay cash and collect from anywhere,
Specialist Suppliers of Amateur Airband PC headset adapters, PTT switches, replacement curly licensed explosive storage. Call Tony on 07956 506300
Marine PMR & Shortwave Equipment to cords and microphone extension cables. DTMF micro-
the Business User & Hobby Enthusiast phones for echolink. For these and more great items
go to www.technofix.co.uk or technofix.uk
Camping available on our 70
pitch site - quote Radio User

www.shortwave.co.uk
[email protected] Trading
TradingPost
FOR SALE 2X RAYNET HI-VIS WAISTCOATS. 1x XL, sleeveless. £10
Scotland ANAN-10 as new. ICOM 897 batteries need replacing, + p&p. 1xXXL, long sleeve. £10 + p&p. Yaesu 101 ZD MKIII
ICOM 746 HF and 2m 100W, ICOM R7000 plus remote for spares only – offers. Collection preferred. North Wales
control., ICOM R7100 all above MINT. All to specification Tel Aled: 07881273648
and unscratched. Codar AT5 plus PSU and connectors. DX100U good valves 100% duty cycle AM 100W (built for
Good valves, pristine. DX100U mint good valves and SSB rag chewing, and weighs a lot because of transformers
adapter. Both like new. Tel/sms: 07549160011 Ipswich PSU and Modulator) . Mint. offers please. Including SSB
FUTRONICS MK1 GMDSS TEST SET £750, ETON 750 adapter. Valves alone worth a lot. This is a collectors item.
£150, ICOM IC-R2500 £250, Grecom PSR-800 scanner But is a working rig. Tel: 07549 160011 G3WRT
£200, ICOM IC-M31 marine transceiver £150, ICOM UA-1 ICOM 718HF TRANCEIVER with hand mic, full working
Audioamp £50, Startrack 2004 Satellite RX £25
A complete range of Brian [email protected]
Tel: 07968 229345 Blackpool
condition, with manual. Clean, no marks or scratches.
Selling due to upgrade £350 including p&p.
Tel: Gordon 01724 734742 M0GIQ
Multi purpose Masts RADIO AMATEUR GIVING UP. B29, National HRO with 11 WANTED
coils, Eddystone 680X, Marconi V2 receivers and 31 other TRANSISTOR T 165/6 Possibly by RCA. Even better if
The best of Scottish engineering! items. please e-mail [email protected] for list. sorry working. Tel: Godfrey (020) 8958 5113 G4GLM
but buyer must arrange collection [email protected]
Tel: 01505 503824 Tel: Harry G3MFW 01872 858648 Truro
OLD HALF INCH FERRITE RODS. must be half inch
REALISTIC PRO 2042 SCANNER. VGC, GWO, manual. 12.7mm in diameter and be six inches long or over. Will
www.tennamast.com £75, AOR 202 Scanner. VGC, GWO, manual. £75, Howes pay good money for the old half inch ferrite rods.
CTU 8 ATU RX Only. VGC, GWO, manual. £35.
[email protected] Price includes p&p all items.
Contact peter tankard on 0114 2316321 between 9am
and 9pm Monday to Sunday or email me at
Tel: Rob 01273 834355 Mid Sussex [email protected]
ANAN-10 as new never used and as new. Offers. Excellent ERA MICROREADER ERA RS232 Display.
Somerset transverter driver. Tel/sms: 07549 160011 G3WRT Tel: James 0208 6895149

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RadioUser April 2019 69

Rallies & Events

Rallies & Events

Plan your visits with our wide-ranging list of forthcoming events. Warners (RadioUser & Practical Wireless) will be
attending events marked with an asterisk.* Club secretaries/event organisers: Please send full and accurate details of
your events, affiliations and clubs as early as possible, if you would like to be mentioned here: [email protected]

March 3rd (Sunday) March 24th (Sunday) day of talks and demonstrations, and the http://yeovil-arc.com
EXETER RADIO & ELECTRONICS CALLINGTON RADIO RALLY: The Cal- opportunity to meet some of the most ac- FB: Yeovil Amateur Radio Club
RALLY: The Exeter Radio & Electronics lington Radio Rally is organised jointly by tive ATV enthusiasts. There will also be
Rally will be held at America Hall, De La the Devon and Cornwall Repeater Group test equipment on hand to test and align April 12th to 14th (Friday to Sunday)
Rue Way, Pinhoe, Exeter EX4 8PW. The and the Callington ARS. It will be held visitors’ projects. Full details are on the INTERNATIONAL DX CONVENTION
doors will open at 10.30am (10.15am for at Callington Town Hall, New Road, Cal- BATC Forum before the event. (IDXC) : The 70th International DX Con-
disabled visitors). Admission is £2 (un- lington, Cornwall PL17 7BD. The doors [email protected] vention, sponsored by the Northern Cali-
der 16’s free). There will be trade stands will open at 10am, and admission is £2; https://forum.batc.org.uk fornia DX Club, will be held at the Visalia
and a bring-and-buy (book-in is from those under 14 years of age are going Conference Center in downtown Visalia,
10.15am). Catering will be available. free. There is ample free car parking adja- March 31st (Sunday) California, USA. If you are a DXer, or in-
[email protected] cent to the venue, trade stands, amateur PENCOED RADIO CLUB TABLE TOP terested in any aspect of amateur radio,
radio sellers, a bring-and-buy, and on-site SALE: Doors are open 9.30am, and stall then IDXC is the place to be. Top DX op-
March 10th (Sunday) catering. holders have admittance from 8am. Re- erators and contesters from around the
GRANTHAM ARC RADIO AND ELEC- E-mail: [email protected] freshments are available on site. world will be there. You’ll match those
TRONICS RALLY: The rally is at the Tel: 0773 837 5775 familiar callsigns with new faces and
Grantham West Community Center, March 24th (Sunday) shake hands with the person you have
Trent Road, Grantham, Lincs NG31 7XW. CAUSEWAY COAST GLENS ARC RA- April 6th (Saturday) had a sched with for the past 10 years,
The doors open 9.30am to 3pm, and ad- DIO RALLY: The rally takes place at the GMDX CONVENTION: The GMDX Con- but whom you have never met.
mittance costs £3. There will be trade Bushmills Community Centre, 14 Dun- vention 2019 – Scotland’s only annual https://tinyurl.com/ybudjrbz
stands, an RSGB bookstall, and special luce Road, Bushmills, Co. Antrim BT57 DX Convention – will take place at the
interest groups. Catering is available 8QG. Doors are open from 11am. Admit- King Robert Hotel in Stirling. Booking/ April 14th (Sunday)
on site. tance is £3. payment details and information about HACK GREEN BUNKER RALLY : The
[email protected] [email protected] the conference programme and the DX Hack Green Bunker Rally will take place
Dinner can be found on the website. Don at the Hack Green Nuclear Bunker, French
March 16th (Saturday) March 24th (Sunday) Field, editor of Practical Wireless, will be Lane, Hack Green, Nr Nantwich, Bad-
LAUGHARNE RALLY: The Laugharne HAMZILLA RADIO FEST AND ELEC- one of the guest speakers. dington, Cheshire CW5 8AL. There will be
Rally of the UK Microwave Group will take TRONICS FAIR: The Hamzilla Radio Fest www.gmdx.org.uk sales of electronic equipment, amateur
place, from 10 am to 1 pm, at Laugharne and Electronics Fair, hosted by the Dover gear, components, military radio items
Millennium Memorial Hall, Clifton Street, ARC, will take place at the Discovery Sci- April 7th (Sunday) and vehicle spares. Doors are open from
Laugharne, Wales SA33 4QG. ence Park, Gateway House, Ramsgate CAMBRIDGESHIRE REPEATER GROUP 10 am, and refreshments are available
https://tinyurl.com/y9jwxgz3 Road, Sandwich, Kent, CT13 9FF. Open RALLY: The CRG Rally is taking place at on site.
10am to 4pm. Online ticket entrance £3; the Foxton Village Hall, Hardman Road, [email protected]
March 16th (Saturday) Limited early bird tickets £5. Tables cost Foxton, Cambridge CB22 6RN. Car park- www.hackgreen.co.uk
MICROWAVE ROUNDTABLE: The Car- £10. Online purchase/bookings are now ing is free. Doors open 9.30am for public
diff University ARS will be hosting a meet- available; bring-and-buy sale, catering, entry and 7.30am for traders. Entry is £2. April 14th (Sunday)
ing of the UK Microwave Group at its cam- lectures/seminars, RSGB bookstall, spe- There will also be a talk-in station, trad- RIPON RADIO RALLY: The rally takes
pus in Cardiff. This one-day event is a mix cial interest groups, trade stands, guest ers, a bring-and-buy table, and an RSGB place at Hugh Ripley Hall, Ripon, HG4
of talks, measurements, and socializing speakers, digital village, demos. Icom, bookstall. Catering is available on site – 2PT. Doors are open at 10am. Refresh-
about activities in the GHz frequencies. SDRPlay and many more exhibitors. Disa- the burger van has been booked. ments will be available on site. Infor-
http://www.sbarc.co.uk bled facilities. Plenty of free parking. [email protected] mation and table booking form on the
http://twitter.com/G4WAW RSGB examinations will be held. www.cambridgerepeaters.net website.
www.hamzilla.uk [email protected]
March 17th (Sunday) April 7th (Sunday) www.ripon.org.uk
WHYTHALL RADIO CLUB HAMFEST: March 31st (Sunday) YEOVIL ARC 35TH QRP CONVENTION:
The 34th Wythall Radio Club Hamfest will BATC REGIONAL CONVENTION: The The 35th Yeovil ARC QRP Convention will April 14th (Sunday)
be held at The Club HQ, Wythall House, British Amateur Television Club (BATC, take place at Digby Hall, Sherborne, Dor- WEST LONDON RADIO & ELECTRON-
Silver Street, Wythall B47 6LZ. Doors will see RadioUser, March 2019) will hold a set DT9 3AA. Doors are open 9.30am to ICS SHOW (KEMPTON RALLY): The
open at 9.45am, with access for disabled number of “mini-conventions” in various 3.30pm. Admission is £3. The venue is Kempton Rally will take place at the
visitors from approximately 9.30am. Free regions of the country during 2019. The wheelchair-friendly. The rally is support- Kempton Park Racecourse, Staines Road
on-site parking will be available. Admis- Club is pleased to announce the irst of ed by RSGB RAFARS and BYLARA. There East, Sunbury on Thames, TW16 5AQ. A
sion costs £4. these in Bristol on 31st March 2019. The will be refreshments and parking, club talk-in station will be on the air. Car park-
There will be four halls of traders, in- event will take place from 10 am to 4 pm stands, and new and second-hand stalls. ing is free, and the doors open at 10 am;
cluding a bring-and-buy, and the club at the premises of the North Bristol ARC, The two talks on the day will be about (1) disabled visitors will gain access 10 min-
stand. A selection of refreshments will SHE7 building, Braemar Crescent, Filton, A Remarkable Very Young Lady Radio utes earlier. There will be trade stands
be available all day, and bar facilities are Bristol BS7 0TD. These are not regular Amateur, and (2) An introduction to MAP and a bring-and-buy, as well as special
open within Wythall House from noon rallies involving traders but technical Loops. Regrettably, only guide dogs can interest groups and lectures. Catering is
onwards. meetings for ATV enthusiasts, and for be admitted. available on site.
[email protected] those thinking of making a start in this [email protected] [email protected]
www.wythallradioclub.co.uk aspect of the hobby. There will be a full [email protected] www.radiofairs.co.uk

For the latest news and product reviews, visit www.radioenthusiast.co.uk

70 RadioUser April 2019
 Rallies & Events

April 28th (Sunday) May 12th (Sunday) £10 (pre-booked and paid, £8). The out-  June 16th (Sunday)
NARSA – NORTHERN AMATEUR RA- LOUGH ERNE RALLY: The Lough Erne side traders are always a popular aspect GMDX SCOTTISH RADIO RALLY:
DIO SOCIETIES ASSOCIATION EX- ARC will host the Lough Erne Rally in the of this rally. With the new venue, we have Details can be found at:
HIBITION (BLACKPOOL RALLY): The SHARE Centre, Lisnaskea, Co. Ferman- plenty of space to accommodate visi- https://tinyurl.com/y9eknee3
2019 Northern Amateur Radio Society agh, BT92 0EQ. Doors are open at 1130, tors; outside pitch free of charge, £3 per
Association’s Blackpool Rally will take free parking, bar, café, cooked lunch, free person applies. There will be disabled June 16th (Sunday)
place at the Norbreck Castle Exhibition tables for trade, special interest, shack access to the hall, as well as catering and WEST OF ENGLAND RADIO RALLY:
Centre, Blackpool FY2 9AA. There will clearance etc. RSGB sales stall. All in hall car parking. The 16th West of England Radio Rally will
be a talk-in station, plenty of car parking, pay same door fee £5.00 or €5.00. The [email protected] take place at the Cheese & Grain venue,
trade stands, a bring-and-buy stall, spe- raffle is included in the door- entry price, https://tinyurl.com/y2za5gwe Market Yard, Bridge Street, Frome, Som-
cial interest groups, and an RSGB book- and the bring-and-buy is free. SHARE erset BA11 1BE. Doors are open from 10
stall. Doors open at 10.30am (10.15am is disability-friendly. Traditionally, this June 9th (Sunday) am to 2 pm. The event will feature inside
for disabled visitors). event beneit from a strong attendance EAST SUFFOLK WIRELESS REVIVAL & outside trade stands, an RSGB book-
[email protected] from both Northern Ireland and the Re- (IPSWICH RADIO RALLY): The Ipswich stall, cafe, disabled access & facilities,
www.narsa.org.uk public. Radio Rally will be at the Kirton Recrea- and car parking.
[email protected] tion Ground, Back Road, Kirton IP10 0PW [email protected]
May 5th www.learc.eu (just off the A14). Doors are open at www.westrally.org.uk
THORPE CAMP HAMFEST: The Thorpe 9.30am, and the entry fee for visitors is
Camp Hamfest is open for traders who May 17th to 19th (Friday to Sunday) £2. The venue has free car parking. Trade June 21st to 23rd (Friday to Sunday)
camp over to set up from 29th April. More DAYTON HAMVENTION: Greene Coun- tables cost from £10. There will be trade HAM RADIO FRIEDRICHSHAFEN: The
information: ty Fairgrounds and Expo Center, Dayton, stands, a car boot sale, a bring-and-buy, 44th Amateur Radio Exhibition will take
Tel: 0795 665 4481 Ohio, USA. special interests groups, GB4SWR HF place in Friedrichshafen, Germany. “In
https://hamvention.org station, and an RSGB bookstall. staging the event during the penultimate
May 6th (Bank Holiday Monday) www.eswr.org.uk weekend in June, we have responded in
DARTMOOR RADIO CLUB RALLY: The 19th May (Sundy) particular to the wishes of exhibitors and
35th Dartmoor Radio Club Rally is tak- DUNSTABLE DOWNS RADIO CLUB: June 9th (Sunday) visitors whose needs naturally play a ma-
ing place at the Butchers Hall, Pannier The Annual National Amateur Radio Car JUNCTION 28 RADIO RALLY: The Junc- jor role for us, as the event organisers,”
Market, Tavistock. Entrance to the rally Boot Sale at Stockwood Park in Luton. tion 28 Radio Rally will be held at the said project manager Petra Rathgeber.
will be from the square, and doors open This is the 36th year without a break that Alfreton Leisure Centre, Alfreton, Derby- https://tinyurl.com/yc9jls2o
at 10am. Admission is £2. There will be this event has been run. shire. Doors are open at 10.15am (trad-
traders, a bring-and-buy table, and an www.ddrcbootsale.org ers’ setup is from 7.30am). The event is June 22nd (Saturday)
RSGB bookstall. Refreshments will be run by the South Normanton & Alfreton & BANGOR & DISTRICT ARS RALLY:
available. May 26th (Sunday) District ARC. There will be full disabled The Bangor and District ARS Rally will be
[email protected] DURHAM DISTRICT ARS RADIO RAL- facilities, a bar selling alcoholic drinks, held at The Hub, Hamilton Road, Bangor.
LY: The rally is at the Bowburn Communi- hot and cold beverages, and a selection Doors are open at 10am.
May 11th (Saturday) ty Association, Durham Road, Bowburn, of cobs. Free parking on the day. [email protected]
CDXC CONVENTION: CDXC is changing Co. Durham DH6 5AT. The doors open [email protected]
the format of its social programme this 10.10am to 2.30pm, with disabled visi- June 23rd (Sunday)
year, by merging the annual dinner and tors gaining access at 10am. Admittance June 15th (Saturday) NEWBURY RADIO RALLY AND BOOT
summer social into a single event, a mini- is £2. There will be traders, a bring-and- ROCHDALE & DISTRICT ARS SUMMER SALE: The Newbury Rally will take place
Convention. This will be held at the Link buy table, an RSGB bookstall and special RALLY: The RADARS Rally takes place at at the Newbury Showground, next to M4
Hotel in Loughborough. interest groups. St Vincent de Paul’s, Caldershaw Road, J13. A talk-in station will be on S22 (V44).
The AGM (voting limited to members but [email protected] off Edenield Road (A680), Norden, Roch- There is free car parking. Traders can
all welcome to attend) will take place dale OL12 7QR. Proceeds from this rally gain access at 8 am and visitors at 9 am.
at 11.30am, while the afternoon pro- June 2nd (Sunday) ensure the continued operation of the Admissions will be £2.50. Car boot sale
gramme of talks (one of them, on Con- SPALDING & DISTRICT ARS (SDARS) DMR repeater GB7MR. Doors open to the pitches are £12.50. The show will have a
testing with a Suitcase, by PW’s editor RALLY: Organised by the Spalding & public at 10.15am. Admission is £2.50, huge radio, electronics & computing boot
G3XTT) and evening dinner will be open District ARS, this long-established event with those under 12 years free. £5 per sale area, and a demonstration marquee
to all comers (£7.50 for day visitors, and takes place at the Holbeach Community pitch (for traders with own tables) or £10 with a display of amateur radio on the air.
£37.50 to include dinner). Sports Academy, PE127PR (event will be for a pitch, with a table provided. There are also clubs and national society
Tony G4LDL on [email protected] signposted from the A17). Entrance is [email protected] stands. Catering is available on site.
http://cdxc.org.uk £3 per person. Inside trader tables cost https://g0roc.co.uk [email protected]

In next month’s
onitoring
Utility MTim tions
Radio e Signal Sta
e-Defineduipment Receiving
■ Review: CCW Indoor Loop & FlightAware ADS-B Receiver Softwarthe
Selecting
Right Eq

■ Feature: How to Receive Signals from Space

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enthusiast.c
■ DXTV: The History of the Telstar Satellite (Part Two) October 201
8 £3.99
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Plus all your favourite regular features and columns Broadc

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HOW TO... ur GPS
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The next issue is on sale on the 24th April 2019 e yo
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RadioUser April 2019 71

Martin Lynch & Sons Ltd. Wessex House, Drake Avenue, Staines, Middlesex TW18 2AP. E-mail: [email protected]
Opening Hours: Mon - Fri: 8.30am to 5pm. Sat: 9am to 4.30pm. International Tel: +44 1932 567 333 FOLLOW US ON
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